A MUM who shed more than eight stone and is inspiring other women to do the same has been named Woman of the Year by her slimming group.

Cherry Wozniak, 46, decided to start shifting the pounds after seeing photos of herself at her 25th wedding anniversary.

She joined Slimming World in February 2009 and has gone from 22st 9lb to 14st 4lb, dropping nine dress sizes in the process.

Cherry, who lives in St Andrew’s Close, Canvey, with husband Gary, 47, said: “I have never been a small girl, but I got pregnant and the weight just went on. Over time more and more went on, but because it’s gradual you don’t notice.

“We celebrated out 25th wedding anniversary in November 2008 and we wanted to renew our vows, but I wanted to lose weight first but it didn’t happen.

“We had a party anyway and when I saw the photos I was devastated, I couldn’t believe I looked the way I did.

“I joined Slimming World after Christmas and I haven’t looked back.”

Members of the Slimming World class which meets at the Paddocks, in Long Road, Canvey on Wednesday evenings, voted her their woman of the year for being an inspiration.

Cherry wants to lose another one-and-a-half stone to get to her ideal weight and is thinking about starting up her own Slimming World class.

Her family, including her children Gemma, 26, Gavin, 24, and Sara, 22, have been bombarded with Cherry’s new healthy eating message.

Cherry said: “I just want to educate them. You have to change your whole life. It’s no good thinking you can do it short term because the moment you come off it you will put the weight back on.

“But you have to want to do it as well.”

Cherry and Gary are now hoping to renew their vows on their 30th anniversary in just over three years time.

Slimming World consultant Karen Jacob praised Cherry as an inspiration to other slimmers.

She said: “Cherry is fantastic. All my new slimmers look up to her because she’s proof that you can do it.

“She has changed her life so much for the better.”