A MOTHER achieved her goal of completing a half-Ironman triathlon after losing three stone in ten months.

Diane Brown, from Thirsk, joined Slimming World a year ago, and following much dedication she dropped four dress sizes.

The 40-year-old, who is now a trained consultant for the group, is aiming to complete a 33-mile off-road ultramarathon with her father in March.

Diane said: “After being so overweight, I thought it was never going to happen but now it’s become a real possibility again.

“I had very low expectations when I joined, but I had been working on my fitness the previous six months, and took part in a few small triathlons.

“I really wanted to compete in an Ironman triathlon the following year, and knew that this would only be possible if I could lose at least a stone in weight.”

Diane was a member of Slimming World for a few months 15 years ago, but it wasn’t until last September that she re-joined.

She had been overweight for most of her adult life but said her bad eating habits started at university.

“By 19 I was uncomfortable with my weight and went on my first diet but it required so much willpower, and I felt so restricted that soon I was back to bad habits and gained even more weight.

“This was the beginning of my yo-yo dieting cycle for the next 20 years.”

However, from last September, Diane attended the weekly Slimming World group in Thirsk without fail, and the pounds started to fall off.

“The food plan is really flexible and easy to follow. I regularly enjoy spaghetti bolognaise or a spicy bean chilli, and there’s enough flexibility for an occasional ice cream or cupcake that my five-year-old son has baked.”

Diane believes the amount of support she received from the Slimming World group helped her lose weight.

“The group support really made a difference to me,” she said. “The atmosphere was so warm and welcoming.

“I thought I might feel like an outsider due to my triathlon antics, and that I wasn’t big enough to attend a slimming group. I couldn’t have been more wrong.”

In July, Diane ran the half-Ironman triathlon in Edinburgh which comprised a 900m sea swim, 56-mile bike ride and a half marathon.

“I felt as light as a feather and stormed though the run, overtaking around 200 people. I’d achieved my goal and it felt amazing.”

She is now eager to complete an ultramarathon with her father and has trained as a Slimming World consultant in the hope of sharing her story and inspiring as many people as possible.

She added: “I’m really excited to be able to help others on the journey just as I’ve been helped with mine. I now have the confidence to try something new and create more life adventures.”