A SLIMMER who lost a staggering six stone to fit into the wedding dress of her dreams has spoken of her inspirational journey.

When Nicole Fielding weighed 15 st 8lb she was left with severe back pain and struggled to tie her own shoe laces or even reach the top of the stairs without running out of breath.

The birth of her son Archie in March 2016 inspired her to make a change and 10 months later, she had achieved her weight loss target of 9st 7lb.

After dropping from size 18 and 20 clothes to as low as a size eight, she decided to set a September date for her wedding to partner Matthew Fielding.

“I decided to buy a second dress as my figure had changed so much and my original dress was beyond alterations,” she said.

“I could not have imagined wearing the dress I chose six stone ago.”

Now, the 23-year-old, of Hanbury Road, Pontnewynydd, hopes to inspire others by setting up a new Slimming World group in Torfaen next year.

Speaking to the Argus, she said at her highest weight, she felt defeated both mentally and physically and hated looking at her body in the mirror.

“My self-confidence was extremely low but after having a little boy in March 2016 I knew it was time to make a change,” she said.

Mrs Fielding’s mother and sister in law had previously been members of Slimming World and after telling them she was determined to lose weight, they all joined together in May 2016.

Her first weigh-in went well after eating constantly for seven days with three full meals and plenty of snacking between meals every day,

“Before walking through the doors on my very first night at Slimming World I felt nervous and very scared,” she said.

“There were recipe books, success boards and people everywhere.

“Little did I know that all of those people would become my friends, my constant support and my rocks to achieving my target weight.

“My consultant has become a friend, someone that I can always turn to for advice, guidance and support even when I don’t believe in myself I know she always believes in me.”

Looking back, Mrs Fielding admitted to being lazy, hating cooking and making any excuse to order a takeaway.

However, she now prepares and plans meals for the week, uses a shopping list and enjoys making meals and new recipes alongside running 5ks, 7ks and 8k regularly.

Mrs Fielding also gave thanks to the Zion Hill Community Centre slimming club for their support during her weight loss journey.

“Slimming World for me has been life changing and I certainly could not have gotten this far on my own without the support of my consultant and other group members,” she said.

“Now it is my turn to give something back and help others achieve their dreams to becoming happier and healthier.”

The new club will launch on January 4 at Trevethin and Penygarn Sports and Social Club and will take place every Thursday at 7.30pm.

For more information, email Mrs Fielding here: nicole_gummer@hotmail.co.uk.