SINCE losing 13 stone Carol Amondsen has been jet skiing, pony trekking and running. These are things she would never have been able to do had she not joined a gym and lost half her body weight. The married mother-of-two from Peartree Close in Stevenage

SINCE losing 13 stone Carol Amondsen has been jet skiing, pony trekking and running.

These are things she would never have been able to do had she not joined a gym and lost half her body weight.

The married mother-of-two from Peartree Close in Stevenage swapped her size 32 clothes for size 14 over three years.

At her biggest she was 26 stone. She has now been nominated for the 'new you' award as part of a national campaign by health and fitness operator Fitness First.

She said: "I have been overweight my whole life and although regularly dreaming of being normal size, I never believed it possible. For me this is like a dream come true."

Since losing the weight the social work team leader says she has noticed that she is perceived differently.

She said: "My general health and stamina have improved as has my confidence, enabling me to do a better job. Over all I feel I am perceived differently - as more professional and am better able to represent my department."

The weight loss has given her a "new zest for life" and a better self image. She has also been able to come off medication for high blood pressure and asthma.

Her advice to others who want to lose weight is: "Just do it. No one could be more nervous than I was [about joining a gym] If I can, anyone can. Wishing won't get results, you will be made welcome and helped to reach your goals.