A NEWPORT mum who lost nine stones to be named Slimming World Woman of the Year Wales 2003 has told how her son's leukaemia inspired her battle.

Karen Beynon, 35, from Liswerry, started dieting two years ago in August 2001 so she wouldn't be too tired to play with her eight-year-old son, Thomas Steer.

She told the Argus: "Initially I did it because of Thomas, who was diagnosed with leukaemia.

"I was fed up with being fat, and I wanted to lose weight so I could be a normal mum and do normal things at the end of his chemotherapy treatment without being tired.

"I was going to lose a couple of stones, but I just carried on and did it week to week. It was not easy. I had to be really, really motivated, but I had a good reason to do it and I was really determined and I just kept going.

"Now I feel brilliant, even doing normal everyday things. I feel completely different, my confidence and self-esteem have gone through the roof.

"Now I even love shopping. The biggest size I ever bought was a 26/28, and now I'm a size 12. Even doing the ironing is brilliant because clothes are much smaller!

"My family absolutely love it and my partner, Jeff, loves it - he feels like he's got a new woman!"

Karen was determined to lose the weight for Thomas, who finishes his treatment in five months, and now she goes to the gym three or four times a week.

She said: "I have gone from a total couch potato to going to the gym.

"I recently took part in the 5km Race for Life, which raises funds for Cancer Research, a charity that is very close to my heart.

"I find it very important to still keep going to class every week.

"Thomas is very proud of me, and he gave me a locket at the weekend to say 'well done'."

Caryl Richards, Slimming World's managing director, said: "Although we would love to be able to publicly acknowledge the efforts of every single member, we're sure that all of our slimmers in Wales will be inspired by Karen's fantastic success."