AN award-winning Scratby slimmer is enjoying a whole new lease of life after losing nearly seven stone in weight.Just over two years ago, Pat Stride was diagnosed as clinically obese and crippled with back pain.

AN award-winning Scratby slimmer is enjoying a whole new lease of life after losing nearly seven stone in weight.

Just over two years ago, Pat Stride was diagnosed as clinically obese and crippled with back pain.

Now weighing 10st 9lb, Pat is reaping the benefits of her dramatic weight reduction.

It is hard to believe that for many years the she was too big to fit in the bath and had to use a specially enlarged shower.

The 58 year old was suffering from chronic joint pain, which at times confined her to a wheelchair.

She said: “On one occasion I fell over in the garden and couldn't get up again and knew then I had to change my life.

“I started putting on a lot of weight after my parents died within a year of each other in 2000. I was very unhappy and suppose I was comfort eating. Putting on the weight made my back problem much worse and I was constantly taking painkillers.

“I could not sleep at night and often had to stay in a chair rather than go to bed.”

The transformation began when Pat joined the Caister Slimming World club two and a half years ago.

Since then the mum of one has swapped her diet of junk food and snacks for healthy regular meals.

Her back pain has eased so much she has started going to the gym and is hoping to learn to swim.

She also has far more energy, helping out as a volunteer leader with the Martham Beaver group.

Pat added: “I used to eat a lot of chocolate, peanuts and crisps and was addicted to Belgian buns. Now I have proper meals, porridge for breakfast or sometimes an egg, soup and a wholemeal roll for lunch and pasta or jacket potatoes in the evening.

“I knew I couldn't have carried on like that and did not want to get to 60 in that state - I still have a lot of living to do.

“When I first joined the group I just wanted to hide away, now I have much more confidence, have really blossomed and like helping everyone.”

Pat's achievements were recognised when she was voted the slimming group's Woman of the Year.

She was rewarded with a champagne reception at Dunston Hall near Norwich and attended the regional final in Bury St Edmunds at the weekend.

A former publican, Pat moved to Scratby with husband Robert from Buckinghamshire 18 years ago. The couple have a 17 year old son Darren.

Caister Slimming World consultant Sue Pratt said: "We are all so proud of Pat. She comes to the group every week, is so supportive to all the members, and is an inspiration to everyone."