Debbie Saggers is going to walk the Great Wall of China after losing weight

A slimmer who has lost a fifth of her body weight is feeling so good about herself she’s taking on a charity trekking challenge.

Debbie Saggers has shrunk from just over 17 stone and a size 24 to a much healthier 13 stone 3lbs and a 16.

The 38-year-old has been a member of Slimming World for four years but says at first her weight loss was very slow.

But after her sister Michelle Bayford suffered a stroke this time last year, partly due to being overweight and heart problems, 5ft 3in Miss Saggers decided it was time to take serious action.

She properly committed to the group and the weight started coming off after she changed her diet.

Miss Saggers, of Strode Crescent, Sheerness, saw an advert for a trip to trek the Great Wall of China for charity and signed up to take part.

Since then, she’s joined a gym and is eating much more healthily.

Before, her day would be skipping breakfast, a mayonnaise-laden sandwich followed by a takeaway curry or kebab for dinner and snacks of crisps and biscuits throughout the day.

Now, she is having healthy cereal and fruit for breakfast, a chicken salad sandwich and fruit or yoghurt for lunch and noodles with vegetables or a stir-fry for dinner and any snacks are healthy.

Debbie Saggers - pictured here before losing three and a half stone

The Royal Mail worker is due to take on the walking challenge in October which will involve five days of trekking for eight hours a day.

“I lost the weight for myself and I’m feeling really good about it,” she said. “Because I’m 40 next year I thought I just want to do something.

“I’ve never been to China before so it’s going to be completely new and we are off the beaten track as well – I’m really looking forward to it.”

The charity Miss Saggers, a carer for her mum Shirley who has arthritis, is raising money for is Action on Hearing Loss, as she suffered hearing problems as a youngster.

“It’s completely changed my life,” she added. “I feel more alive and I can’t wait to go out there.”

Her target is to raise £2,800. To sponsor her, go to www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/debbiesaggers