Slimming World founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell died on February 2 from a form of leukaemia at the age of 76 while on holiday in Mallorca surrounded by her family
Hundreds of people have paid tribute to the founder of Slimming World and reflected how she “positively impacted the lives” of dozens of Brits through her work as she was laid to rest today.
Margaret Miles-Bramwell, 76, from Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire, passed away whilst on holiday in Mallorca, Spain, with her family. The founder, who has been described as a “pioneer and trailblazer”, tragically died after she was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Heartbroken friends and family attended her funeral service at Derby Cathedral on Monday. Hundreds of others watched the service on a screen at Slimming World’s headquarters in Somercotes, to pay their respects. Staff and consultants lined a route through the grounds, holding white roses and yellow daffodils, which they threw into the path of the cortege as it detoured from her home.
A moment’s silence was held as the car paused outside the main building’s reception. Bells rang out as the coffin entered and left the cathedral. The coffin was decorated with yellow and white spring flowers, photographs of Margaret were placed on easels and a display of red roses stood near the coffin during the service. Margaret died from a form of leukaemia on February 2, surrounded by her loved ones.
She started Slimming World at age 21 with a single class in Alfreton and working out of her own kitchen. She believed in helping people to shed the burden of excess weight without shame or guilt. The company has since grown and it now employs 500 people at its head office and 3,500 self-employed consultants run groups up and down the UK and Ireland each week.
Margaret’s achievements were outlined by former Slimming World chief exec Caryl Richards. Choking back tears, Ms Richards said: “Margaret achieved so much as a pioneer and trailblazer. It was her strength and determination that helped build Slimming World. She also raised more than £30 million for charity through the charitable foundation Smiles, over a number of years.
“She was the sort of person who made a lasting impression and being with her was almost like being in a magical presence. Her legacy will mean that she will continue to touch people’s lives. I worked with her for 33 years. Her faith in me changed my whole life and she was a mentor and friend. Before she died, the board went to see her and we promised her that the business would carry on. Her passion will continue to guide everyone.”.
Dominic Miles, one of Margaret’s four children, spoke on behalf of the family. Clearly very emotional, he said that one of the things she had taught him was that sometimes the hardest thing to do is the right thing. She also leaves her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, reports Derbyshire Live. He said: “Even in the days before she died, Mum was the most beautiful, proud lady. She taught me so many things and I have such huge respect for her.”
The service was led by the Very Reverend Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby. He spoke of Margaret’s links to Derbyshire, where she was born in 1948. He said: “Her life spoke of community and, particularly, the community in Derbyshire. She inspired respect and self-confidence in others and was tenacious and resilient. She was a woman who put people before profit.” Among Margaret’s many achievements was being made an OBE in 2009 for services to the health of the British public and her charitable work. She was granted an honorary degree from the University of Derby in 2010.
She was named Business Woman of the Year at the National Business Women’s Awards in 2023, and earlier this year Margaret was a Top 100 Influential People winner – established to recognise leaders in their respective fields. She was the proud owner of several successful businesses in Mallorca and the UK, including Slimming World, which is recognised as the UK’s leading weight-management organisation. Following the service, the family followed the coffin out of the cathedral to the waiting cars and hearse for a private farewell.
Since her death, tributes have poured in from across the globe from people whose lives have been changed by Margaret and her quest to create a kinder world for people wanting to lose weight. Nick Furlong , Slimming World Icon 2025, who lost 6st (38kg) with his local Slimming World group in Woodhatch, Surrey, said: “The decision Margaret made 55 years ago to help others lead the life they wanted has meant I have had years added on to mine to share with my family.”
Harriet Peacock , Slimming World’s Greatest Loser 2022, who lost more than 20st (127kg), commented: “It is a rare thing for someone to have positively impacted the lives of so many and leave such a legacy of kindness behind.” Philip Almond, executive director of marketing, fundraising and engagement at Cancer Research UK, added: “Her vision and dedication have helped raise an incredible £20+ million for life-saving cancer research, funding work that will continue to change lives for years to come.”
At Margaret’s request, donations to Blood Cancer UK can be made at margaretwhittaker.muchloved.com.
