"It was when I had my six week check-up after having my first baby that my doctor suggested that I join somewhere like Weight Watchers. My mother was already a member, so I started borrowing her books and I managed to lose a stone by myself, but I got to the point where I realised that I needed the help and support of a class.

So I went along to the class in Newbridge run by Anna Doody and found it great fun; I also picked up a lot of information and tips from all the other members. Losing weight is like a journey - listening to other people's experiences is a great motivator and gives you fuel for your journey.

I decided that the night of my class was going to be my night out for the week, so I used to meet friends after the meeting and made the night one big social event. I finally managed to reach goal weight, but six months later I fell pregnant again, so after my second child was born I had to go back to Weight Watchers. Thankfully I quickly got back on track and got down to goal weight again.

When I was overweight I never had the confidence to go anywhere or do anything.

Even doing simple things like going to the supermarket or the bank was an effort.

Since losing weight my attitude to everything has changed, and I have become more positive about every aspect of my life.

My partner, Darren, proposed to me in December 2004 and we got married in summer 2005. We only had six months to plan the wedding so the first thing I had to do was find a dress. It felt so amazing when the sales lady brought out a rail of gorgeous dresses all in sizes 10 and 12. At my heaviest I was a size 18/20 so it was really very exciting to fit into these fabulous dresses. It felt like a huge achievement.

Both Darren and I have big families; I had five bridesmaids and there were six groomsmen so there were lots of people there to help us celebrate. It was a brilliant day and I felt fantastic!

I am now working as a Weight Watchers leader and I love helping my members to make changes that I have made because I know they are changes that have the potential to improve every aspect of their lives."