I had tried to lose weight on many occasions but failed miserably. My self esteem, confidence and health was at an all time low. To be happier, healthier, looking and being much thinner was just a dream.

I started a fitness and eating plan set up by Les and Clare. I considerably reduced my carbohydrate intake, cut out bad eating habits and replaced them with eating the right things, little and often to get my metabolism working, in conjunction with a training programme once a week with Les. I increased my physical activity EVERY day. I took long walks with my day, swimming and I bought a fitball and weights to do exercises at home which Les gave me a plan to follow. It included core work which I still do every day.

I eat a lot of high protein, healthy food for example chicken and fish with lots of salads and vegetables. My guilty pleasure is pickled gerkins which I attack if I get the munchies.

In April 2012 I broke my coccyx in a silly accident, slipping on a path at home. This set me back 8 weeks and due to not being able to move I gained one stone. I was so determined to get myself back into my training I went swimming during this period.

It's now the end of February 2013 and I have lost 7 and a half stone! I have gone down from a size 28 to 14/16. My confidence has soared and I love being active, it's become my life. My eating habits are not a problem and I don't even think about it now. I know what I want and what I don't want to eat.

I'm still on my quest to get down to a nice size 12 by May 2013 as my daughter is getting married. I am doing a 5k run in March and contemplating a charity sky dive in September, something that would not have been possible before because of my size.

If I can do it anyone can!

Many thanks to Les and his team, they literally saved my life. I now have a new life and so much happier and healthier.