Ashington woman reaches Woman of the Year semi-finals after health transformation

Julie Clark, 47, celebrated her achievement with double Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams, who praised the dedication behind her success and was ‘blown away’ by her transformation.

Julie was one of just 36 women to secure a spot at the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2026 competition after losing an incredible 10st 12.5lbs.

Julie earned her place in the semi-finals after fellow members of her Morpeth group voted for her to represent them.

“Before joining Slimming World, I felt trapped by my weight,” she said. “My confidence was so low and I was constantly worrying about my weight.

"It affected my health and stopped me from living life the way I wanted to. I knew I wanted things to be different, I just needed the right help me get there.

“It was when my weight started impacting my job in a SEN school, that I realised something had to change.

"I joined Slimming World hoping to lose weight, but I gained so much more, like making new friends and being able to go swimming in the sea with confidence. It was the best decision I’ve ever made."

With her confidence growing, Julie also embraced a more active lifestyle, began running and is now training for her first half marathon.

She said: “It’s boosted my confidence and has had a positive impact on my mental wellbeing too.”

Nicola Adams, who made history as the first woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal for Team GB, praised Julie's achievement at the event.

She said: "The commitment and dedication it must have taken Julie to lose nearly 11st is remarkable. Success doesn't happen overnight, whether in sport or in life, and she’s proof of what can be achieved when you stay focused on your goal.

"Reaching the national semi-finals is a fantastic achievement and Julie should feel enormously proud of how far she's come. She's proof that small steps and a positive mindset can lead to life-changing results."