A WIRRAL woman who put on seven stone during a brave cancer battle has lost a quarter of her weight.

Sheryl Leona, 43, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and although she had beaten her diagnosis, felt 'awful' within herself after finding it hard to walk.

She then joined Weight Watchers (WW) in a bid to help her become healthier and happier.

She told the Globe: "I joined WW in 2015 but my head wasn’t in the right place. I rejoined at the very end of August 2017; overweight, struggling to walk using two walking sticks.

"I couldn't lay down flat as I couldn't breathe, I was sad, in pain, and felt awful.

"I’m certain that if I hadn’t started my journey to wellness I would be using a wheelchair by now.

"I have osteoarthritis (OA) in my back, knees, and severe OA in my hips, I was meant to have a double hip replacement a couple of years ago and carrying all the extra weight had made my pain so much worse.

"I was too scared to have the operation as the anaesthetic risk was so high.

"I still need the surgery but I now feel it can be put off for as I want to reach my goal - something I genuinely think is achievable now, it may take a while, as I still have a lot to lose, but I know I can do it with the support."

Sheryl has now lost five stone - a quarter of her weight - and says she feels 'happier' than she has in years - she has even taken up belly dancing as a hobby.

She added: "WW and especially Amanda's (WW coach) wellness workshop has completely changed my life!

"I feel happier than I've felt in years, my pain levels have improved, I can lay down properly in bed at night, and I feel like a different person.

"I still enjoy my food and drink, making those little changes and keeping going will help me smash my mini targets.

"I love that I can still live my life to the fullest enjoying takeaways, holidays and nights out without feeling deprived.

"I’m even cooking from scratch far more."

For more information about WW meetings in your area visit www.weightwatchers.co.uk