I slipped the pink strappy dress over my head and, as I looked at my reflection, my heart sank. ‘Oh well, it’ll have to do,’ I thought, covering my shoulders with a matching wrap. To the outside world, I was bubbly, smiley Gill – getting in the jokes about my size before anybody else could. Nobody, not even my husband, knew how wretched I felt inside.

I’d been yo-yo dieting since my teens, always worried people would be comparing me, a size 18, to my size 10 twin sister, Cheryl. Each time I tried to slim I’d start a calorie-counted plan, feel really hungry, pack it all in and regain any weight I’d lost.

As my daughter, Katie, approached her 20s, she decided she’d like to lose a little weight herself. ‘Why don’t we join Slimming World, Mum?’ she asked me one day. ‘I don’t need to go to a club, I can do it myself!’ I replied. For six months she kept on asking me and my response was always the same.

Then I went to my sister’s house for afternoon tea with two friends. When the photo of us sitting together appeared on Facebook, I was mortified – I was the biggest by far. Shortly afterwards, Katie and I joined group.

I’ve been at my 9st 7lb target for a long time now and I couldn’t be more pleased with my new figure. Katie often tells me how proud she is of what I’ve achieved. She’s been such a great support to me, along with the rest of my wonderful family.

Now when I see myself smiling broadly in a photo, I know it’s a true reflection of how I’m feeling – confident, positive and happy to be me.

With a little help from ...

Gill shares the tricks that made a difference to her slimming journey, and the treats (and people) that spurred her to success.

• Thank goodness Katie, my lovely daughter, kept on asking me to go to group with her. Slimming together was a real boost – we’d text each other during the day, which helped us stay on track.

• About 18 months ago, I couldn’t keep up when my husband Stephen and I walked our labradoodle, Louie, in the steep woods by our house. Now, it’s not a problem – and I’ll even stride up the stairs at home two by two, just because I can!

• I love Lotus Biscoff caramelised biscuits – they’re a real treat at 4 Syns for two. And as they’re wrapped in pairs you don’t get carried away.

• When I’m out, I’ll order a 35ml shot of gin (4 Syns) with diet tonic – or if I’m driving, it’ll be a Free soda water with ice and slices of lime.

• With my extra confidence about the way I look, I’m playing around more with my make-up. I love standing out from the crowd in a bold, bright lipstick.

• Now my smiles match the genuine joy I feel inside. Feeling good about myself has made socialising much more fun, too – I love getting glammed up and going out to party in a size 12 dress.

*Weight loss will vary due to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.