An Alderley Edge resident has lost a staggering twelve stone and is now preparing to complete the London Marathon.
Catherine, of Annis Close, reached her target weight at the beginning of December, having lost 12st and 2.5lbs in less than two years.
Catherine told me "I've battled with food all my life. I love it. I love cheese, chocolate, pick 'n' mix and crisps - my 'finest' moment was scoffing 2kg of Quality Street in one go in front of the TV.
"So it's no surprise I tipped the scales at 25st 2.5lbs when I joined a local Slimming World group in January 2009.
"I joined with a friend, fully expecting to stick with it for a few weeks then give up and instantly regain any weight I'd lost. However, I left that first group buzzing with excitement at the possibilities. I went home and read my new member's pack from cover to cover and didn't sleep a wink. I was planning meals in my head for the rest of the week. I got to grips with the plan pretty quickly and after four weeks I'd lost a stone."
Catherine then joined a gym, which she describes as a pretty daunting experience becaue she was completely unfit and weighed 24 stone.
Catherine, 34, said "I did feel like I had to swallow my pride, ignore all the athletic-types in their lycra, and just get on with being red-faced and sweaty in my own corner.
"I became a total gym-bunny that year and agreed to run the BUPA Great Manchester 10k. Then I panicked. I hadn't run since school and six miles seemed like an awfully long way but failure wasn't an option.
"The first time I ran was on the treadmill, I managed ninety seconds and thought I was going to die. The first time I ran outside it was -4°, I managed ⅓ of a mile and my lungs burned. The first time I ran a complete mile I thought my legs would give way but they didn't and I realised that I was capable of focusing on a goal and pushing myself to achieve it.
"I no longer recognise myself. I've gone from being a defeatist couch potato to someone who will put her fear to the back of her mind and give pretty much anything a go."
Following the Manchester 10k, Catherine ran the Wilmslow Half Marathon in March 2011, completed the Total Warrior 10K assault course in August 2011 and shortly afterwards she applied for a place in the 2012 London Marathon.
Catherine explained "I want to run the marathon because I've watched it on TV and thought it must be amazing to be able to do that. What better way to celebrate losing 12 stones than by running the London Marathon.
"I've got a fabulous opportunity to challenge myself and raise money for the NSPCC. I've pledged to raise £1000 and it would mean so much to me if people would support the NSPCC by sponsoring me. Anything you can give will be appreciated and I can guarantee that thinking of your generosity when I'm fifteen miles into a cold and wet training run will keep me going."
Catherine is well into her training schedule, she is already running 13 miles and hoping to finish the marathon in under five hours.
What an inspirational story Catherine's is, makes my five miles at the gym look pretty pathetic!
If you would like to sponsor Catherine and support the NSPCC you can do so by visiting her JustGiving page.
