A MOTHER and daughter duo have lost almost 13 stones between them whilst attending their local Slimming World group in Lochore, the weight of an average male in the UK!

Mel MacFarlane joined the group in September 2016 and mum Lynne McColl was so inspired by her daughter's amazing weight loss, that she soon followed.

Lynne had received a letter from the weight management team at her local hospital and was shocked to read that the waiting list was 18 months.

Being wheelchair bound, Lynne worried about what would happen to her in that time: "Mel has been my inspiration. I was so upset and already depressed at being in the wheelchair, unable to walk or do any exercise. "When Mel suggested she speak to consultant Nicola to see if she could come up with a solution to weigh me, that was the start of my journey".

Lynne added: "Since joining Nicola's Slimming World group, I have found other ways of exercising, including sitting in bed doing the actions to Oops Upside Your Head among others".

This, alongside healthy eating has been exactly what she needed.

Mel revealed she was at her heaviest when she made the decision to join group: "The group has helped me through the harder times, with Nicola at the helm.

"Going to group every single week has been key for me. It's so warm and welcoming. We laugh together and when things are tough, Nicola and the group pull you back up ready to go again".

She soon realised that 'when you food optimise, you are never hungry'.

"My favourite is honey chilli chicken, which my husband loves as well. He eats all the meals I make", Mel went on.

"Daily activity is also much easier to do and the best thing about losing weight is the fact that I can go into any shop and buy clothes that fit".

The health benefits for these two amazing women are incredible. Mel's backache has disappeared, whilst a number of Lynne's problems have significantly lessened or gone completely.

Lynne's tips to other members are: "Eat plenty of speed foods, enjoy your syns if you need them and stay at the class. There you have like minded people who are willing to share ideas, recipes and most importantly, encourage and support you on your journey".

Nicola's groups are held in Lochore Miners Institute on Thursdays at 3.30pm, 5.30pm or 7.30pm and Fridays at 9.30am or 11.30am. You can contact Nicola on 07546443906.