Bernie Finn, a chef from Gorey and a mum-of-two, was crowned ‘Unislimmer of the Year’ last night after losing an incredible 8st 12lb with Unislim.
Beauty guru and fellow Unislim member Triona McCarthy, alongside Unislim MD Fiona Gratzer, had the difficult and emotional task of choosing the winner from the inspiring group of 12 finalists, who between them have lost over 70 stone.
Unislim ambassador Triona McCarthy was thrilled to be part of this inspiring event and said: “Meeting this year’s 12 finalists and hearing each of their individual stories, has been an emotional rollercoaster.”
“I kept having to re-do my eye makeup from crying but it’s because I’ve been shedding tears of joy!”
“You can see how each of these 12 finalists now look, and more importantly feel, absolutely amazing. They have all reached their personal weight goals through Unislim and have all completely changed their lives forever.”
“It was so hard for myself and Unislim MD, Fiona Gratzer, to pick a final overall winner from this inspiring group. However, in the end we had to go with the beautiful Bernie.”
Bernie Finn decided to join Unislim in 2016, weighing in at 18 stone 10 lbs at the time. Over the past three years she has lost almost 9 stone.
Bernie said: “I never thought I would be here accepting this award. What doesn’t seem like long ago I could hardly walk and I felt so low. All I can say to anyone reading this who is thinking about losing weight, it has completely changed my life. I am a completely different person now and feel like life is so exciting again.”
“To look at me now I’m like a different person, some people don’t recognise me. I look 20 years younger. Being overweight is tough, feeling self-conscious and in the way all the time, not being able to put on your socks or play with your kids.”
“Every day was a struggle, life was exhausting. I now wake up feeling happy, positive and excited for the future! Now I love clothes, I have energy and feel good about myself.”
Speaking at the awards, Fiona Gratzer, MD of Unislim, said: “The Unislim Awards is a time to celebrate our members’ success. Every one of our 12 finalists are now strong, confident individuals who look fabulous on the outside, and feel even more fabulous on the inside.”
“This is by far the most rewarding day of my job every year, as I get to see the real life-altering effect Unislim has had on such wonderful people from across the country.”
The winner was announced on Thursday, 17th October at a glitzy fashion show on the 3rd floor in Debenhams, Henry Street where all 12 of the winners strutted their stuff in front of family, friends and Unislim members.
The winner was presented with a cheque for €1,000 from Unislim, and all 12 finalists received a fabulous goodie bag filled with products from Debenhams.
