A Hatfield mum has celebrated the New Year for a different reason to most, after losing 18 stone through Slimming World.
Ceri Knight joined the group after being told she would not see her daughter grow up due health risk associated with her weight.
She had an emotional start to the year, as she arrived with her daughter to receive her 18 stone award that recognised her achievements.
Fifty-one-year-old Ceri joined Slimming World in 2015 and made the change to her weight for her daughter.
Ceri said: “I’ve been overweight all my life and struggled with my weight all my life. After being told I didn't have much longer to live and wouldn't see my daughter grow up, this spurred me on to make the change.” 
Speaking about the award she received, Ceri said: “I’m so proud and happy to win this award, it's such an achievement.
“I feel like a new woman since losing weight, in fact, I look so different that people who I haven’t seen for a while often can’t believe I’m the same person.
"For me though it’s the change on the inside that’s been the greatest. I’m happier, healthier and much more confident now.”
Ceri’s weight impacted multiple aspects of her life, from struggling to find clothes that fit, to not being able to do simple everyday tasks without feeling tired and out of breath.
“Before I lost weight, I hated having my photo taken and whenever I saw pictures of myself, I didn’t feel like my smile was real, yet now I’m beaming,” the proud mother added.
Ceri’s decision to start the fitness journey was not an easy one and she added: “Walking through those doors was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, I was embarrassed about my size and scared that I might be the biggest person there. 
“I needn’t have worried though, everyone there was so friendly, especially my consultant and I was so relieved when I found out that my weight was confidential between me and her.
“Since then, I’ve made so many friends at the group and I honestly don’t think I could have done it without their support each week.
“They helped me with recipes and tips and if I was ever struggling, they were always there to build me up and remind me why I’d wanted to lose weight in the first place and how far I’d come since first stepping through the doors. And it was so rewarding to support other members who needed a boost too.”
Today, Ceri has lost a total of 18 stone and went from a size 34 to 14.
She is also more active and regularly walks with her family, and can get on theme park rides with her daughter, which is something she struggled with at the beginning of her journey. 
Amy Jefferies, who runs the Hatfield Tuesday Slimming World group, says: “The changes we’ve seen in Ceri are incredible.
“I hope her success will inspire other people who’d like to lose weight by forming new lifestyle habits and as a result, become happier and healthier to come and join us.
“To see the emotions on every member's face this morning and her daughter's was truly something. We are all incredibly proud of Ceri.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here