A few years ago Claire Addy had given up on living.

Eastern Daily Press: Claire Addy has lost 7 stone in a year. Picture: ANTONY KELLYClaire Addy has lost 7 stone in a year. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

She was 22 stone, had a number of health concerns and at times was putting on two pounds a week because of a thyroid problem.

Her mother Valerie was so worried she encouraged her to attend Slimming World in the hope it may help.

In just one year Mrs Addy, who lives in Tacolneston, near Long Stratton, lost seven stone and improved some of her health problems.

The 44-year-old said: 'Sometimes it is hard to believe to be honest. Sometimes I double take when I go past a window or mirror and seeing me I think 'wow'. My husband said it is like I am a different woman.

'It was my mum she thought she was going to lose me. I had got in a desperate state and the weight was piling on.'

The mother-of-two was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in 2008 – the hereditary condition could mean Mrs Addy might need a transplant in the future.

Her gall bladder stopped working and had to be removed and she suffered from bad spinal problems.

'I always had a weight problem straight from school,' she said. 'I had dieted in the past. I lost some weight then I had my daughter.

'I gave up living in some ways. I was always focused on this being it for me – I am going to be dead in a few years. I stopped living and I couldn't go out anywhere.'

Her weight loss has meant she does not need to have surgery on her back and she can do things with her family she was not able to do before.

Mrs Addy added: 'There were so many times I would go to the beach and I would sit under the umbrella and my husband would have to do everything.

'It has made such a difference. I can walk my daughter to school. I do not have to stay at home anymore.

'I feel chuffed and I won't take anything for granted.'

Have you got a story? Email rebecca.murphy@archant.co.uk