COLOSSAL Susan Sinclair believed it was only a matter of time before her weight would kill her.

Susan, who tipped the scales at 20st 9lb, got to the point of discussing her imminent death and making plans for her children's future after she was gone.

But today Susan's thoughts of dying have vanished after a determined battle of the bulge resulted in her losing a massive 7st 3lb - the equivalent weight of two of her children!

Super slimmer Susan said: "I was frightened that I wouldn't be here to see my children grow up. I began to accept that I wouldn't be around in a few years. It was a scary time."

The 29-year-old from Norbreck Close, Blackburn, became a recluse as the pounds piled on.

She became housebound, too ashamed to venture outside for fear of ridicule. She said: "I stopped in. I was fed up of people staring at me as if I was a freak. It was heart-breaking not being able to take my children to school.

"One boy said he wouldn't play with my son because his mum was fat. That was hard to take. I had to ring an airline to ask them if I would be able to fit in a seat."

She added: "I knew I was big, but was terrified of getting on the scales. My turning point came when I bought a size 32 skirt. I thought 'Where do I go from here?'"

The mother-of-four joined Weight Watchers at Tontine Street, Blackburn, in February, 1996 and is now half the woman she was with her trim, slim 13st 6lb figure.

Susan, whose downfall was snacks such as crisps and chocolate, said: "I replaced snacks with loads of veg and fruit and it worked. My 30th birthday is coming up. I didn't want to be fat at 30. I feel great now! Really confident."

Susan, now size 16, who hopes to lose three more stones, added: "I do all the normal things people take for granted, such as going out and parents evenings. Nobody stares at me any more and people who know me don't even recognise me!"

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