Looking back, I would say I started to have an issue with my weight once my daughter, who’s now 14, was born. It began to ­ fluctuate and I found that my normal size 12 was slowly creeping up to a 14. My addiction to chocolate and portion sizes (they were the same as my husband’s) didn’t help.  So, slowly but surely, I started to put on weight. Of course I was in complete denial, and continued to wear size 12 clothes which normally resulted in the dreaded mu‑ n top.  It’s little wonder I wasn’t confident dent in my clothes, hated shopping, I constantly sat with my arms across my body to hide it, and didn’t even like looking at myself in the mirror. But my ‘moment of truth’ came when I saw pictures of myself at my father-in-law’s birthday party. Normally I could avoid the camera quite successfully but this time I didn’t. And, when I saw a photo of myself I thought ‘Oh my God, is that really me?’. I knew then and there I had to do something.

It was actually my mum who gave me the kick that I needed! She joined Unislim and it was such an incentive to do the same. And I have to say, from the very ­ first class, it was exactly what I needed. In fact, I left that ­ first class with my weekly plan in hand, and went food shopping straight away to get all that I needed. That’s what makes Unislim so easy.  You get so many ideas for recipes and tips on eating that it takes all the guesswork out of it. Best of all, it’s just good, tasty food. So good, in fact, that my family are happy to eat it every day and I even make various recipes when friends call round. My family and I enjoy all the lovely homemade soups (which are all free foods on the Unislim plan) and because we like spicy food, we love the curry and chilli recipes. And I’m ­ finding I love to cook now and I’m experimenting more than ever before.

Best bit of all? Since I joined Unislim, my family and I haven’t had one single takeaway.  I only joined last October and in January I was awarded my FREE Slimmer Membership, which basically means that because I reached my target weight I can now attend Unislim classes for free.  My mum did too. She lost three stone and the high blood pressure medication she has to take every day has been halved!  Losing weight isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling so much healthier as well.  But I couldn’t have done it on my own.  My family have been so supportive and my class leader, Sandra, is amazing. She’s forever coming to class with new tips and recipes to try, she’s so inspiring. She’s just brilliant.

My life has changed in so many ways. I run three to four times a week (I didn’t exercise at all before) – I’m even running up mountains these days! Also trying on clothes now is a pleasure. I have to say, there’s nothing more liberating than walking into a shop and knowing that you can buy whatever you like – I actually bought three pairs of summer shorts the other day, something I haven’t worn in about four years.  You just can’t beat that kind of feel-good factor.”