A super slimmer who has shed more than seven stone said she was inspired to lose weight after her mother died.

Lindsay Stead, of Gregory Avenue, Potters Bar, was “hugely obese” when her mother, Pauline, died of ovarian cancer in January 2012 aged 61.

Inspired to start taking better care of her health, the 35-year-old vowed to start a healthy eating plan, and is now “almost unrecognizable” from last year.

She said: “My mum’s death made me realise I had to look after myself. Every week when I stepped on the scales, it gave me something to focus on, somewhere to put my grief.

“I want to inspire others to loose weight too. It’s easier than you think and I couldn’t be prouder of the person I’ve become now.

“I can’t tell you how much of a confidence boost it’s given me. People say I’m fantastic - but it can sometimes be hard to believe them. I’m getting there though.”

The mother-of-three began a healthy eating plan, regular exercise and attended a Slimming World group each week to meet other like-minded people to spur her on.

She is now launching her own group on Saturday, February 1 at King Charles the Martyr Church, Mutton Lane, Potters Bar.