After seven years, hundreds of successful weight losses, and plenty of lives changed, a Slimming World group leader hands over the baton to a new consultant.

Jo Wignell, 51, has said goodbye to her Slimming World members as she leaves Helston to embark on a new adventure in Portsmouth with her husband.

Emotions were running high, as members past and present, friends, and family popped into Jo’s groups this week to say goodbye and thank her for her support.

Jo was presented with bouquets, cards, gift vouchers for a hair salon in Portsmouth, and a gift voucher at St Michael’s Hotel, Falmouth, as well as jewellery.

Falmouth Packet: Jo was overwhelmed with the a amount of gifts she was given by members Jo was overwhelmed with the a amount of gifts she was given by members (Image: Jo Wignell)

Jo has had time to reflect on her last days as a Slimming World consultant, telling the Packet: “I am just so overwhelmed by what I have been given today.

“I have been given so many beautiful gifts and I would like to say a massive thank you.”

On January 1, 2016, Jo opened her first group at Helston Football Club. However, while this first group gained more and more members, her second at the same location initially wasn’t as successful. She spent months trying to plug the group by handing out leaflets – something which Jo struggled with as she had just had an operation on her toes.

After months of plugging away, Jo made the decision to open a group in Mullion (later moving to Cury) as well, which saw more than 80 slimmers join - and over time her other Helston group also saw numbers pick up, keeping her busy. 

Falmouth Packet: Jo has handed the baton to new Helston consultant Marilyn Jo has handed the baton to new Helston consultant Marilyn (Image: NQ staff)

During her time as a Slimming World consultant, Jo has had many personal highlights. She said: “I was fortunate enough to have one member who lost ten stone selected for the finals at Woman of the Year at the Slimming World head office. Although she didn’t win, it was just amazing that she was selected.

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“There have been so many highlights; listening to people talking in a group, seeing them turning their lives around and getting out and about, walking more and eating well.”

Jo, who worked in the Royal Navy for 27 years before becoming a weight loss consultant, will be moving to Portsmouth with her husband who has recently received a promotion in the Navy. When she gets to Portsmouth, she has plans to join a Slimming World group there, and try to find a job in admin.

Falmouth Packet: Jo also received this beautiful cake from Dawn Hardy Jo also received this beautiful cake from Dawn Hardy (Image: Jo Wignell)

Although being a consultant was primarily Jo’s responsibility, she has had plenty of support from her husband and daughter, especially during the last 18 months. Jo said: “My husband and daughter have really helped me with groups. From helping me pack up at the end of the group sessions, to handing out leaflets. My daughter has been helping me put things into the computer system.

“The whole family have really helped me out.”

Jo has now handed over the Slimming World baton to a new group consultant Marilyn Gray. Marylin’s groups will take place on Thursdays at 5.30pm and 7pm and on Friday mornings from 9am and 10.30am at Helston Football Club, Clodgey Lane.