A WOMAN who was overweight for more than 15 years has shed an impressive seven stone in 88 weeks.

Mandy Ward from Tydd St Giles suffered from severe back pain and low self-esteem but she has turned her life around after joining a slimming group.

The building society manager is thrilled with her dramatic transformation.

She said: “Customers and colleagues have noted I look 20 years younger and are astounded at my willpower.”

Mandy tried dieting in the past but could not prevent herself from getting to the point where she was unable to buy clothes from regular High Street shops.

An embarassing incident on an aeroplane was the catalyst for her lifestyle change.

She said: “After failing to stick to a diet at home facing the humiliation of getting on an aeroplane to find the seatbelt wasn’t long enough proved too much to bear.

“My mother in law urged me to give Slimming World a go and I listened.”

Mandy is thankful to her slimming group for the support she has received since becoming a member in February 2011. She said: “I received a friendly welcome and I like that the group is never judgmental if you’ve had a bad week.

They are all really supportive.”

Mandy is still able to enjoy her food and often treats herself to a full english breakfast.

She said: “I enjoy a cooked breakfast most mornings... Bacon, eggs, mushrooms, beans, toast and orange juice!

“I can still eat out by making healthy choices or allow myself a bit extra if I need it.”

Vanessa Read, Mandy’s consultant at Leverington Slimming World, paid tribute to her star pupil.

She said: “Mandy is a hugely inspirational member of the group,

“We are all very proud of her determination to get to the target.”