Cumnock slimming club leader wins award

Oct 10 2008

AN Ayrshire slimming club leader has been honoured with a rare award.

Christine Mitchell is one of just four people in the UK to win the prize, awarded just once every two years.

The 37-year-old, of Gemmell Avenue, Cumnock, received the Jean Nidetch trophy, from Mads Ryder, UK Senior Vice President of Weight Watchers, at an awards ceremony in Newcastle.

She was also given a long service award for completing 10 years as a Weight Watchers leader and a Diamond Leader accolade for her business achievements over the last year.

Mum of one, Christine runs nine meetings a week across Ayrshire and sees about 700 members at her scales every week.

She also writes a newspaper column, and has featured in a Weight Watchers fitness DVD and regional TV advert.

“It was an absolutely amazing day,” said Christine.

“I knew I was going to get the long service award, but the other two were a complete shock. When I got the diamond award, I thought what a fantastic day it had been, then as they started describing the Jean Nidetch winner, it suddenly dawned that it could be me.

“My heart was beating so loudly I thought everyone around me could hear it.”

The award is named after the founder of Weight Watchers, who began organising weight loss meetings in Brooklyn, New York, almost 40 years ago.

It recognises leaders who go the extra mile to help their members achieve their weight loss goal.

Regional manager Diane Gleghorn said: “Christine is a fantastic example of a Jean Nidetch winner.

“I’ve visited Christine’s meetings on a number of occasions and always feel that I’ve experienced something amazing.

“There’s a real buzz and an atmosphere which wins over members, all created by Christine. I always leave feeling I want to be part of it.

“Christine, weight loss, meetings and her members are really entwined. She’s organised a holiday for members next year – it’s the slimmest holiday many will have had. Christmas parties, bike rides, trips, are all part of the Christine deal.”

Immediately after receiving her award Christine called her team of clerks and helpers.

She added: “I told them we had won the award. Running a meeting is a real team effort and I would not have had this if it wasn’t for them.

“What they do in my meetings goes well beyond just helping.”

To find out more about the Cumnock and Ayr classes that Christine runs, visit www.weightwatchers.co.uk or call Christine on 01290 420450.