The loss of more than 14 stone in weight over 19 months has drastically improved the lifestyle of a Dover woman.

Nicola Rolfe, 31, of St Radigunds Road, joined Slimming World’s Curzon Hall Group on January 3 last year to begin her weight-loss journey.

She said: “I bit the bullet and joined up, as nervous as I was. But I was welcomed by everyone in the group.”

Miss Rolfe weighed 28 stone and 8.5 pounds – and didn’t want to gain any more weight in the lead-up to her 30th birthday.

She added: “I did not want to be 30 stone when I turned 30 in April last year.

“I had health issues which were all due to my weight. Walking short distances I would be out of breath. Even the stairs at work were a challenge.”

In March this year her motivation was rewarded when she won the Slimming World’s Greatest Loser competition for her group.

The 31-year-old, who used to wear a size-32 top and a size-34 skirt, now fits in to garments sized 10 to 12.

“With help and support from all my family, friends, Slimming World group members and colleagues at work, along with sheer determination, will power and exercise DVDs I have managed to gain my life back.

'I have managed to gain my life back.' - Nicola Rolfe

“All of my health issues have been sorted out.”

Miss Rolfe realises that there could be others in the district that were in her position.

She shared her advice: “I would say if you really want to loose weight, have the determination, will power and really enjoy your food, then Slimming World is the way forward.

“They support you through your journey.

“You can still eat so much food, but it’s the right food, and you are allowed treats but work them into the plan.

“I eat so much more food now than when I was at my biggest. It’s unbelievable.

“It’s a life-changing experience, and I will never go back to all the things I used to eat.

“The Slimming World plan really does work, and I would recommend it to anyone if they want to loose a few pounds or a large amount like myself.”