A MUM-of-one who had been hospitalised three times with pneumonia and struggled for breath has transformed her life after shedding two stone and dropping four dress sizes.

Christine Bonehill, 66, was described as grossly overweight and suffered from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the name for a a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.

Christine, of Abergele, was described as “gravely ill”. She had instructed medical staff, should the occasion arise, not to resuscitate her and to let her die as her life quality and breathlessness had become so bad.

A friend suggested to Christine that she joined Weight Watchers.

At first the keen biker was reluctant. Aside from the COPD, Christine has a large hiatus hernia and is prone to blood clots, but she attended a class and it wasn’t long before the weight started to drop off.

Christine, who is married with one daughter, said: “Everyday chores were an impossible task. My family had to cook, clean and wash. Even bathing and dressing led to total exhaustion.

“It is extremely frightening and distressing when you feel unable to take in enough oxygen. Weight Watchers saved my life.

"During my first meeting, I was greeted by coach Denise Herrick and everyone quickly put me at ease. The points system was explained to me as well as foods to eat and how to fit the plan into my lifestyle.

“I was 13 stone when I began my journey. After three weeks, I was down by seven pounds. I could walk further, talk longer and do so much more due to the improvement in my overall health.

"Five weeks later, another seven pounds had gone and I was at 12 stone.

"At this time in my life I was starting to live again, at 66 years of age.”

After such improvement, Christine’s respiratory nurse was able to refer her to a specialist breathing gym at Royal Alexandra Hospital for six weeks.

From there, she was able to go to the gym in Abergele and received help from a personal respiration trainer.

“It feels amazing that I once was breathless from carrying out the simplest everyday task but can now say I go to the gym,” Christine added.

“I still attend Weight Watchers. I am now 10 stone and nine pounds and I am determined to shed more pounds. I am now feeling good and enjoying life.

"The hospital visits have, so far, become a thing of the past, and my daughters wardrobe contents are in my sights.

“Weight Watchers has definitely improved, prolonged and saved my life.

“I have gone from size 18 clothes down to a size 12. What a great feeling that is.”