Mother-of-two Michelle D'Ray-Byrne has lost nearly four stone to be healthier for her children.
She had been impressed by her mother-in-law, Sue Byrne, losing two and a half stone and how she looked incredible.
But then tragedy struck when Sue was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2017 and sadly passed away on January 2, 2019.
"The cancer just riddled her body," says Michelle, who has an ironing company. "It was so aggressive, she had no chance of survival. She never gave up. She fought it with a smile on her face every single day. She was a real inspiration".
Michelle decided to embark on her own weight loss journey and joined Slimming World.
"Before I was eating anything and everything," says Michelle, 36, of West Bridgford. "I never understood how food works. I thought a low fat sauce would be healthy, just because it said a healthier or lighter version. I thought I was fine to eat that.
"I convinced myself, because it was a healthier option, it was the best option".
But when Michelle looked at the ingredients, there was not much difference between a normal version and a low fat one.
"I wouldn't think twice to stop for a McDonald's," she says before she began losing weight.
Now she has learned the science and techniques behind healthier eating and has gone from a size 22 to a size 14.
"I make my own sauce now," she jokes.
She has also become much fitter. She did a Breast Cancer Charity Night Walk in memory of her mother-in-law, raising thousands of pounds for vital breast cancer causes.
Double gold Slimming World consultant Naomi Wagstaff said: "Michelle is doing so well and is close to her 4 stone award and target. She loves the group and has made many friends who have helped and supported her with her journey. She has achieved many challenges including the Moon Walk for breast cancer and, during lockdown, completed a group challenge 'for the month of May on plan every day!' - when she lost 8lbs and was Slimmer of the Month'".
