Shining bright LIKEA DIAMOND

After years hiding away, Sarah Williams is making up for lost time

- SLIMMING WORLD

I'd been overweight since I was a child, and by the time I was in my late 20s and had my own children, Millie and Maisie, my weight had completely spiralled. After my dad passed away, I sought comfort in food and put on more pounds. I felt unhappy, ashamed and frustrated about my weight.

I was living on shakes as a substitute for food and if I lost anything, it always felt impossible to keep it off. Before I knew it, I'd be back at square one. I was miserable and hungry, and I knew I couldn't carry on that way. In 2013, my now-husband Lee and I decided to get married after 13 years together. I was so excited and knew I wanted to feel my best for our special day. However, trying on dresses wasn't a good experience - I was so unhappy with how I looked and I was struggling emotionally, too. I hadn't coped very well with the grief of losing my dad, and it made me realise how much I wanted to be around as long as possible for my young family. I knew the only way I could do that, though, was by looking after myself - and that began with my weight.