‘I’ll be getting married In a size 10 dress’

Hayley Hardy, 37, lives in Dorset with her fiancé, Rob, 39. She has two children.

Height: 5ft 8in Lost: 9st 3Lb

I was a chubby youngster, often polishing off half a pack of biscuits before school. By the time I was 17, I was a size 16, and I gained more weight after having kids – Thomas, in 2000, and Alana in 2003. By my late twenties, I was a size 24 and miserable. I stopped going out with friends and my social life was limited to family events, me in the same old blue fleece and huge black trousers.

Activity wise, the most I did was a 15-minute walk to school, arriving exhausted and sweaty. Then I developed asthma – my GP said due to my weight – and my ankles were constantly swollen.

In January 2010, I joined Weight Watchers. I also signed up to a gym. It was so nerve-racking, I avoided eye contact for six months. But, three times a week, I forced myself to go on the bike, treadmill and step-machine for 10 minutes each.

Over 18 months, I lost over 7st. As well as working out, I tried boxercise and combat. Now, I’ve done things I never dreamed of, such as abseiling for charity and even circus classes on a trapeze!

And in May 2014, I met Rob. It was terrifying at first – I hadn’t dated since I was 17 – but soon we were inseparable. Now, we’re planning our wedding. I’ll be wearing a size-10 backless gown. I can’t wait! ✱ For more information and other inspirational stories, visit weight watchers.co.uk

Was 19st 13lb now 10st 10lb Get-fit tip ‘Sit down with a pen and paper and be 100% honest about why you want to lose weight. Seeing your goals in writing will spur you on to do more exercise to help you achieve them.’