DESCRIBING successful slimmers as being a shadow of their former selves is perhaps not always justified.

But, in the case of Rachel Pocknell whose story we are featuring today, this really is an apt description.

For the young woman from Blaenavon has lost an incredible 10 stones in weight.

And she has shrunk from a size 28, weighing almost 23 stones, to a far healtheir 13 stones, with the aim to lose two more.

That is a life-changing amount to have lost for the 28-year-old who, to prove it, is about to forge a new career for herself as a personal trainer.

Anyone who has tried to lose weight knows how difficult it can sometimes be. So her story is inspirational.

Not only has Miss Pocknell done this the right way, by adopting a healthy eating regime, but she has also matched that with exercise .

In fact she is now a regular 10k runner and has even completed a marathon which really is an achievement

There is no quick fix to a weight problem but Miss Pocknell is proof that it can be overcome and, given that we are not far away from the time for New Year resolutions maybe her story will help others make a decision which will benefit them for many years to come.

She has already inspired her mother with the result that she also has lost an amazing seven stones. Congratulations to both.