AN ELLESMERE Port woman is celebrating her life-changing weight loss after a trip to Scotland left her short on breath.

To celebrate her 50th birthday, Lynn Parsons’ two boys took her away to Edinburgh to celebrate - but says she felt just awful about her weight when walking up steep Scottish hills left her breathless.

She said: “My sons took me to a very fancy restaurant, but I felt very frumpy in the dress I wore! I could not wear what I’d really love to wear as it just didn’t come in a size 22!

“I became upset as my life just was not going the way I had hoped. I was in the middle of a very stressful divorce, had no confidence and very low self-esteem.”

Lynn told her sons about how she was feeling and says it was one comment that changed her life for the better - “Mum, it’s only you that can do it.”

Determined to do something and make some serious life changes, Lynn joined her local Slimming World group in February 2017 having battled with her weight for years.

She added: “I can’t tell you the amount of times I had joined Slimming World in the past, but this time, I was determined to succeed.”

Week by week, the pounds started to fall off Lynn until she banished almost six stone from her life.

The initial weight loss gave Lynne the confidence to step it up a notch and start building exercise into her life with Zumba classes.

She said: “At first, you would find me hiding right at the back in the corner, never being able to keep up with the others - but I never gave up! Now you can’t miss me, I’m right at the front giving it everything I’ve got!”

Lynn says this weight loss has been “the most rewarding achievement” of her life and has meant she can enjoy making memories without worrying about her health or appearance.

She said: “My eldest son got married in August 2019 and I felt a million dollars in the size 12 dress that I could have only dreamed of two years earlier. I’m still me but a much healthier and happier version.”

Now, inspired by her own success, Lynn has launched her own Slimming World class to help others achieve their dream weight loss.

She said: “Never in a million years would I have imagined that I would have ended up being a consultant, standing at the front of the class!

“I know the difference that losing weight has made to my life, I know the emotional turmoil and struggles. I fully understand how hard it is at times and I’m passionate about helping others achieve their dreams too.”

Lynn’s group usually meet on Thursday’s at Trinity Methodist Church Hall in Whitby Road. Due to coronavirus restrictions, booking a place at either 5pm or 7pm in advance is essential to ensure everyone’s safety.

To join, or for any extra information, give her a call or text on 07979 645065.