I helped Brum to shed 12,000 stones!

Sep 1 2005 By Catherine Lillington, Evening Mail

FAB fat- fighter Margaret Newall has helped 8,000 Birmingham men and women reach their ideal weight to shed a collective 12,000 stone.

Equipped with a willpower so steely, the 60-year-old has even banned her addiction to liquorice allsorts from her home in Cornfield Road, Northfield.

Margaret has led Weight-Watchers classes in Cotteridge and Northfield for the last 25 years but has finally retired and plans to rejoin as a member. "I've got a lot of happy memories," said Margaret, who first signed up to the slimming club and lost 21lbs in 1978.

"It's dreadfully hard work to lose weight, however small or large you are. But if you can go somewhere enjoyable it keeps it in perspective.

"Whether it's 5lbs, 10lbs or seven stone someone wants to lose, it matters to that person. I do my best for people and it's been a successful 25 years."

And the grandmother - married to 69-year-old "beanpole" Ken - admitted: "I'm normal. I'm a fat person that wants to remain slim. Chocolate and liquorice are my two poisons in life."

Cotteridge class member Rosa Locke paid tribute to Margaret who helped her to lose six stone. The 67-year-old, of Bournville Lane, Bournville, said: "One class for Margaret would attract 100 people and more.

"She's a wonderful lady and everybody loves her. I first went three years ago and because I'm older I was a bit nervous but she encourages everybody and she gave me confidence. She even got me learning how to use a computer."

Assistant Enid Mackay said: "Margaret's been a great leader and a great friend. She's a one-off and inspires people to lose weight."

Linda Robinson, area service manager for the club, said over the last eight years Margaret and her members have raised more than £27,000 for St Mary's Hospice, in Selly Oak.

She said: "Margaret is a pillar of the community."