A WOMAN who has lost a massive seven stone in just 18 months is behind loveLIFE and encouraging more people to lose weight.

Suzanne Brown, Head of Neighbourhood Services at LoveLIFE partner Plymouth Community Homes, has lost over seven stone and now feels great.

She said: "I am not sure when I became fat, I hit my 30s and then it sort of crept up on me. I looked around and suddenly I weighed well over 17 stone.

"I'd tried to lose weight several times before. I'd diet for a few weeks, lose some weight and then the enthusiasm would all just fade away. Before I knew it I was heavier than when I started."

Suzanne's motivation came when she booked a trip to Everest Base Camp with her friends.

The big task encouraged her to train properly because she didn't want to be the one at the back holding everyone up.

She added: "Because I had tried to get fit before, this time I wanted to maximise my chances of success. I know I get bored easily and needed to challenge both my body and my mind.

"There was no way I could continue to turn up at the gym if I just did the same exercises week in, week out."

Suzanne decided to sign herself up to the gym, and got a personal trainer.

She continued: "We trained together once a week. Working with Lou meant my time at the gym was focused towards my goal, she provided motivation and encouragement, and has updated my program both as my fitness levels changed and to keep me interested.

"After the first month I'd lost a stone then another stone the month after, in fact I steadily lost a stone a month for the first five months."

Her personal trainer also gave her advice on eating healthily as Suzanne didn't diet or count calories she just began to eat healthy foods.

"I started eating breakfast, lots of vegetables and protein and cut out the alcohol. In fact I saved so much money by not buying those bottles of wine that easily paid for my personal training sessions," she said.

Lou even went with Suzanne to buy her first pair of size 10 trousers, but she has kept some of her size 24 clothes.

"Sometimes I put them on just to remind myself how far I've come," she said.

Suzanne walked at the front of the pack to Everest base camp and has since gone on to run the London Marathon.

Suzanne isn't ready to rest just yet though, now she is planning to try and complete a triathlon.

"I'm not a swimmer so it's a struggle but losing weight has given me the confidence to take on the challenge," she added.