A 23 -STONE carer from Winsford has shrank four dress sizes after being inspired by a local mum who lost 10 stone in a year.

Claire Johnson, 29, from Winsford, decided enough was enough after going through her holiday pictures last September.

The mum-of-two was inspired by Jenni McFeat, 31, who made national headlines after the Guardian reported how she lost eight stone in a year under the tutelage of personal trainer, Anthony Foy.

“I went to Turkey last September,” Claire said. “I took a picture of myself in a dress and when I saw it I absolutely hated it.

“I had seen Jenni’s story some time before on Facebook, so as soon as I got back I got in touch with Ant and we’ve been working together ever since.

“I do take a lot of inspiration from Jenni’s story, but that was her journey, this is my journey. But knowing that Jenni was the size she was, it gave me confidence.”

Since October, Claire has lost six stone, and is more than half-way to completing her goal of losing 10 stone in 12 months – despite avoiding the gym her whole life.

She explained: “Before I started with Ant I had never ever stepped foot in a gym in my life.

“I never stuck to anything. I’d start Weight Watchers, do it for a week then go back to crisps and chocolate. But that picture really stuck with me. I had to do it.”

Anthony, who trains out of Funk Fitness in Winsford, admitted there have been times where Claire has wanted to give up and go back to old habits.

He said: “There are times when she texts me saying she’s fed up. It’s easier to eat unhealthy food at those times, but you push through it.

“When she sees the weight coming off, that’s what gets you through the dark days.

“We did have a poor month. She knew why, she ate a bit of bad food. That was the point when she could have given up, but she clawed it back.”

Claire added: “I’m not going to let myself down. I’ve come too far.”