For as long as I could remember, I’d dreamed of having a family. Aaron and I got married in 2009 – and although we were happy, my weight kept creeping up. Eventually, at almost 30st (191kg), everyday life became a struggle for me. I couldn’t walk 200 metres without getting out of breath. And the hardest part: our dream of becoming parents still seemed so far away.

I’d been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, and after seven painful years of infertility, I felt like my body had let me down. When I joined Slimming World in 2015, it was with a clear goal – to lose weight so I could qualify for IVF. I’d tried a variety of diets but nothing ever stuck.

I was terrified before I walked into my local group, thinking everyone would stare and judge. Instead, I was welcomed with kindness and warmth. When my Consultant explained the plan, it felt realistic and achievable – and something inside me just clicked.

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Nine months later, after losing 8st 7½lbs (54.2kg), I found out I was pregnant naturally! I couldn’t believe it. Following everything we’d gone through, it felt like a miracle.

However, not long after the birth of my daughter, Olivia, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. I lost him soon after, and grief hit me hard. Between caring for a newborn and mourning my dad, old habits slipped back in. Then, another blessing arrived – my second daughter, Sophie – but soon came the chaos of the Covid-19 lockdown.

With a toddler and a baby at home, and Aaron’s role as a key worker, day-to-day life felt overwhelming. I was exhausted so I’d often turn to convenience food rather than cooking from scratch. The weight piled back on and I struggled under the pressure. I was terrified I was killing myself. I couldn’t join in with the girls when they played at the park, and I wasn’t the mum I wanted to be for them.

In August 2022, I walked back into my Slimming World group. This time, I promised myself I’d stay every single week – no excuses. That was a game-changer. Being surrounded by people who understood, listened and cheered for every tiny victory made me feel stronger than I had in years.

I swapped beige food for colourful, satisfying meals. I learnt how to build healthy habits that lasted. I stopped mindlessly snacking in front of the TV, and started cooking meals that filled me up and made me feel good. Prioritising protein and healthy fats meant I stayed fuller for longer – and the weight began to shift again.

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Exercise had always frightened me, but Slimming World’s physical activity support programme helped me get started at my own pace. At first I used the gym equipment at work on my lunch break, and as my confidence grew, so did my strength. Before long, I was running around with my girls and taking part in challenges – including my local 10K Race for Life! Now, movement is just part of my everyday routine and it supports me to keep the weight off long term.

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I’ve now lost 18st 7½lbs (117.7kg), and I still can’t believe the reality I’m living. I’m the mum who races her daughters to the swings, and who swims in the ocean without a second thought. Last year, we walked 20,000 steps a day at Disney World – and I went on every ride without once worrying if I’d fit in the seats!

People often ask if I used weight loss drugs or surgery. I would’ve qualified – but the idea of them terrified me. And I’m so proud to say I did this with Slimming World!

My biggest achievement, though, is my girls. At my heaviest, I found myself losing hope that I’d ever become a mum. Now, I’m giving them the healthy, happy future they deserve – and I’ll be here to enjoy every moment.

If you’re sitting there thinking it’s too late, or that you’re too far gone – please hear me out. If I can do this – every step, every slip-up, every triumph – then so can you. You are not alone. Your new life could start today – just walk through those doors.

Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.