A VALE super slimmer who was inspired to shed the stones after almost losing her life in a car crash is starting her own weight loss group in Evesham.

Ali Saunders, of Common Road, Evesham, is set to start her own Slimming World group at Evesham Town Hall on Wednesday, April 30, following 18 months of weight loss leaving her 8 stone lighter.

The 43-year-old made her first step towards being lighter following a near fatal car accident , which left her with two pulmonary embolisms or blood clots, one of which was dangerously close to her heart.

Whilst in hospital receiving endless scans, test and x-rays, Mrs Saunders had time to think about her life and how close she had come to losing it and suspected her weight was a factor in what had happened.

She was also diagnosed with another life-threatening condition in hospital, Sleep Apnoea, which meant she stopped breathing up to 70 times an hour when sleeping.

After leaving hospital Mrs Saunders made a promise to change and contacted Slimming World.

"I was taken aback by how friendly and approachable everyone was and how quickly they included me in their conversation," said Mrs Saunders, a business support co-ordinator at a legal firm.

Since joining Slimming World Mrs Saunders has enjoyed several milestones, including being voted woman of the year in 2013 and this year she was named the greatest loser in Evesham.

"I know how hard it can be to take those first steps," she added. "Everyone needs support to achieve their goals and I could not have done this without my own support network, so I want to give something back by supporting and encouraging people to lose weight in the way I have been supported."

The group run by Mrs Saunders will take place every Wednesday from 5pm until 7pm, at Evesham Town Hall, Market Square in Evesham.

For more information call 07896 121966.