It was meant to be an enjoyable family trip to a funfair.
But a cutting jibe by a fairground worker to mum of two Denise Fedyszyn prompted serious action.
“You’re too fat to ride, I can’t fasten the seatbelt”, said the worker as 20 stone 4lb Denise tried to enjoy the swing ride with her children, Anya and Isla.
It left Denise embarrassed and upset and determined to do something about it.
Now, after an amazing 12 months, she has shed half her bodyweight and weighs in at a little over 10 stone.
Along the way, she has taken up running and has already raised more than £500 for charity.
“I had to do something”, said Denise, 37, who joined a Weightwatchers group at Kirkburton.
“He said it in front of my kids and I couldn’t take any more.
“I had always been overweight through my teens, growing up in Holmfirth, and after I married my husband Anton, things got even more relaxed.”
Denise was helped along the way firstly by Weightwatchers group leader Katie Van Diepen and secondly by her long-term friend, Lisa Walters.
Denise and Lisa had been bridesmaids at a friend’s wedding and were mortified when they saw the wedding pictures.
Denise said: “It was all down to that, down to the kids and down to the fact that my dad, who lives at Hepworth, was ill and because of the stress I resorted to eating all the time.
“That first day I joined Katie’s group I decided to go out for a run. It was more of a walk but I persevered and now I run regularly, as well as watch what I eat.
“I knew I had to change my lifestyle and I’m so glad I did.
“I have done charity runs for Age Concern and for dementia research, to help my dad, and am also due to run in London next month and in the Great North Run.
“That weight is not going to go back on”.
Lisa, too is celebrating. The mum of three, who is 29 and goes to the Shepley Weightwatchers group, was 13st 5lbs when she was a bridesmaid alongside Denise but has lost 35 lbs in just over two months.
“I do exercise but it’s more a case of watching what I eat,” said Lisa.
“My husband Joseph and the kids Kieran, Abigail and Hollie are all behind me and I intend carrying on with the health regime”.
