A REMARKABLE slimmer has battled through relentless pain to be crowned ‘Woman of the Year’.

Mattie Lowther suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome and a condition which makes walking near impossible.

She suffers from bilateral equinus contractures, which means her foot is constantly at an unnatural angle and she has very limited ankle movement.

Despite her condition, several operations, and a reliance on crutches and specialised footwear, Mattie has pushed herself to lose an impressive two stone with her local slimming club and completed nearly 4,000 steps for charity.

Niki Jones, Mattie’s Slimming World consultant in Penrhyndeudraeth, was proud of her star pupil.

“She has been such an inspiration as despite all that she has had to battle through, she has attended group each week and continued to not let her circumstances bog her down,” said Niki.

“The day after she was crowned Woman of The Year, she walked 3,800 steps - beating her target of 2,000 steps - to raise money towards Cancer Research UK for Slimming World’s Walk All Over Cancer campaign. It may not sound a lot - 3,800 steps - but Mattie is someone who suffers extreme pain even when she walks 10 steps.

“We are all so proud of her and I believe that her story would inspire others to take a step towards changing their lives for the better.”

Mattie remembers how far she has come on her fitness journey.

“I had been on holiday and had seen some photos of myself and decided that enough was enough,” she recalled.

“So straight after the holiday, I asked my mum to come to Slimming World with me, which she did very reluctantly, but neither of us have looked back.

“There are several reasons that I have kept going to Slimming World – I have received so much support from other group members, and if you are having a bad week, there is no judgement.

“Some weeks when I don’t want to go, my mum will just tell me that we are going. We encourage each other.

“The group in Penrhyndeudraeth is so welcoming and friendly and we always make new members feel welcome and at ease, which counts for a lot.

“I have had a battle with food for many years, but thanks to Slimming World, I keep seeing small victories.”

Mattie is justifiably pleased with her sponsored walk.

“I decided to get involved with the Slimming World Walk All Over Cancer campaign because my nan died of cancer and I have friends who have battled with it too,” she said.

“I felt quite despondent when I heard it was a sponsored walk, but soon realised that it doesn’t matter how far you can walk, just so long as you do what you can.

“I still feel shocked and humbled that I was voted Slimming World Woman of the Year 2018 as there were several women nominated who were worthy candidates, so I really am in shock!

“Being given this award has inspired and motivated me to keep on going towards my target.”

Mattie and Niki’s Slimming World group meet in Neuadd Goffa, Penrhyndeudraeth every Monday at 7pm.