Helping a slimmer lose six stones, come off anti-depressants and pursue a new career takes, dedication, determination and a love of the vocation.

So, imagine Anne-Marie Sinclair's despair when the enforced lockdown meant she could not hold her Slimming World classes at Holbrook and Capel, for goodness knows how long.

Not only did it appear her income, as a self-employed franchisee, disappear, but all the hard work and rapport built up with her class due to her personal touch, would be lost.

But now, her class, and more looking to lose weight and enjoy a healthier lifestyle, can join Anne-Marie in her virtual Slimming World class online and continue to lose those pounds, while enjoying that vital contact, even if no hugging is possible, and that has been a huge relief for consultant Anne-Marie.

"I have to admit when we were told the centre at Holbrook was closing I burst into tears – I was gutted," said Anne-Marie. "I also held two classes closing at Capel and I was just so upset wondering what all my lovely people were going to do.

"So many had been doing so well I was really concerned they were going to lose all that support and advice, just seeing people's faces and giving each other encouragement."

But Swimming World stepped up and organised a virtual conferencing facility for Anne-Marie and the other 5,000 consultants nationwide, allowing members access to a new 'virtual group' in place which gives the same practical help, caring support and friendship.

Anne-Marie will host their group via Zoom and invite members to join from home to continue to get support to make healthier food choices and find new ways to stay active indoors.

The emphasis will be on building and staying in control of healthy new lifestyle habits when it might not be as easy as it is under normal circumstances – helping members find ways to make groceries go a bit further, and easy ways to shop, cook and eat healthily at a time when access to food is changing.

"I was nervous, excited and tearful all at the same time for the trial," said Anne-Marie. "But we got eight people and it went well. While we able to do many of the usual things and give encouragement, even if a virtual hug is not quite the same as a real one but you ave to come to terms with these things.

"We have a really supportive group and I'm sure in time more and more people will join in. It could actually encourage those at home who may not have been able to come to a centre for one reason or another to join in now."

Slimmers in Anne-Marie's class have enjoyed some incredible success, Becky for example. lost four stone (almost 30kg), came off ant-depressants and is now training to be a driving instructor, while another, Kim from Holbrook, has lost six stone (almost 40kg).

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