A SLIMMER who has transformed her life by losing an extraordinary amount of weight has vowed to use her success to shape a whole new career.

Kelly Ottaway, a 42-year-old mum of two from Berechurch, joined a Slimming World group in Colchester three years ago.

In the first two years she shifted a staggering 8.5 stone, dropping from a size 22/23 to a size 10/12.

Kelly’s main reason for losing weight was she wanted to be able to keep up with her two boys while playing with them.

Her husband, who was in the military at the time, was away from home for lengthy periods, meaning Kelly would prioritise everything else over self-care.

Gazette: Kelly and her family on holidayKelly and her family on holiday (Image: Newsquest)

After turning 40, she decided to make a change and lose weight, after seeing photos of herself at a party that she didn’t like.

Kelly said: “After sitting in my first group I realised all of the reasons I told myself I couldn't lose weight were actually just excuses.

“After taking just a bit of time out each week, to attend and plan my meals, by just making some simple changes, I realised I can do this.

“In my first week, I lost 3lb and after just three weeks I was nearly a stone lighter. All from just following food optimising on the Slimming World plan.

“The best part was I was still eating all of the foods I loved just in a healthier way. I would still enjoy a chocolate treat in the evening by using my daily Syns."

Bossted by her amazing weight loss, Kelly has trained as a consultant for Slimming World and now hopes to inspire others.

Members of the group are getting ready to welcome her as their new consultant at the Kingsland Church branch.

“Like a lot of Slimmers, I had tried to lose weight so many times before by following numerous diets, but they were never sustainable because I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate," she added.

“The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods. Some of our family favourites are roast dinner, cheeseburger and chips, chilli and even lasagne.”

Kelly’s Slimming World group will be held at Kingsland Church every Wednesday at 5:30 and 7pm from Wednesday, May 3.