A super-slimming couple are feeling healthier than ever after making it to the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Couple of the Year 2018 competition.

Richard and Kim Bowling lost more than 14st between them.

They said the secret to their success was support from one another at home, as well as from others at their Slimming World group.

Richard, 51, who lost 8st 12lbs said: “While I’d been feeling uncomfortable about my weight for some time, I never really felt quite ready to do anything about it.

"However, as soon as I realised Kim was unhappy with her weight too, it made sense to try to tackle it together.

“From the outset we started enjoying healthier home-cooked meals and it definitely wasn’t as difficult as I expected it to be.

"We just made healthy swaps like switching to lean cuts of meat and using low calorie cooking spray instead of oil.

"The change in both of us has been remarkable – it’s like we both have a whole new lease of life.”

Voted for by their fellow Slimming World members, Richard and Kim were invited to represent Sittingbourne at the national semi finals at Slimming World’s head office in Derbyshire.

Kim, 49, who lost 5st 7.5lbs added: “We’ve become much more active and even started cycling and running together.

"We couldn’t believe it when we made it to the semi-finals, it’s way beyond what we could have imagined.

“We already feel like winners because we’ve won the biggest prize out there – we feel great and we know we’ve got a long, healthy, happy life to look forward to together now.”

Bonnie Chesson, who runs the Sittingbourne Slimming World group Richard and Kim attend, said: “I’m so proud of them both. They’ve really taken it upon themselves to motivate not only each other, but the rest of the group too.

“I’d encourage any couples who are struggling with their weight to tackle the issue together – it honestly does make the world of difference to have someone you love and trust by your side. ”

Despite their success Richard and Kim were not overall winners. Slimming World’s Couple of the Year 2018 winner will be announced in due course.