AN ELLESMERE Port mum celebrated her amazing weight loss by running the Chester Half Marathon.

When Ebony Edwards, 27, started her weight loss journey she only wanted to lose a few pounds before her summer holiday - little did she know it would lead her to running a half marathon and starting her own Slimming World classes.

Ebony, who is mum to Penelope and Matilda, aged two and one, found herself piling on the pounds after giving birth, tucking into takeaways, chocolate and crisps every day.

Ebony, of Ramsey Road, said: "After having two children close together, I piled on the weight I was putting myself at the bottom of the pecking order. Without realising, I had gained over three stone. Eating takeaways and reaching for convenience food, snacking on crisps and chocolate, I wasn’t thinking about what I was eating and the effect it was having on my body and mind.

"I was low in confidence and didn’t feel happy.

"A few months after having my second child, a friend asked me to join Slimming World with her. I had a holiday booked in a few weeks so I thought it would be nice to loose a few pounds before I went. Little did I know how much my life was about to change.

"I was nervous to step on those scales but entering the group my consultant was so lovely and reassured me that I would never see that number again. She was right and I have never looked back since.

"The first week I was slightly disheartened as I lost 1.5lbs I was expecting more, however I had really enjoyed the plan. So I decided to to stick at it and carry on the following week I lost 5.5lbs I was over the moon and couldn’t believe I had lost 7lbs in two weeks."

Ebony says the plan suits her busy life looking after two young girls. So much so that she has become a consultant herself to help others change their eating habits and lose weight.

She added: The plan is so easy to follow and for me gave me a new passion for cooking, knowing that you can eat all of your favourite meals by making them Slimming World friendly really made it easy for me to follow. I love making ‘fakeaways’ such as salt and pepper chicken and chips with egg fried rice! Homemade Nando’s chicken and chips. Who would have thought you could eat chips on a diet? But thats where it clicked for me this wasn’t like any other diet it was complete lifestyle change.

After following the plan for eight months, Ebony has lost a total of three stone 7lbs.

It was then that Ebony set herself a new challenge - completing the Essar Chester Half Marathon.

She added: "For me staying at group and speaking to other members and supporting each other in our journeys really helped me. Taking time out for myself to focus on me and my weight loss journey was so important to me and still is today being apart of a friendly supportive group is amazing. After losing around three stone I decided to join my local running club and worked my way up to running the Chester Half Marathon, I had never ran before in my life. Shedding the weight gave me the confidence to do things that I had always wanted to do but never dared too! I no longer say no to things! I have found a new love for shopping and buying outfits that I would never of been able to wear. I didn’t think I would ever be able to wear the latest trends but I now have the confidence to do so. "One of the main reasons for loosing weight was for my two little ones who I know have so much more energy to play with them day to day. I will forever be grateful to Slimming World for changing my whole lifestyle and my families.

"That is why I wanted to become a consultant myself, if I can do it I know anyone can. I am so excited to help people on their journeys and inspiring them to reach their personal dreams."

Ebony will be holding sessions on Wednesdays, from September 5, at Ellesmere Port Catholic High School, at 5pm and 7pm. Contact Ebony on 07908 548593 for more information.