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The incredible shrinking mum

Sue Carr
8/ 1/2003

CHRISTMAS just wouldn't be the same without over-indulging on good food and drink and regretting it afterwards.

But there's one woman who doesn't have to share the new year guilt this year after she shed an amazing six dress sizes and almost seven stone!

Super slimmer Melanie Hartley was a size 24-26 up until 15 months ago when she took the plunge and joined Weight Watchers.

And the inspirational mum-of-two from Newton Green, Hyde, has now slimmed down to a trim size 14 - but it's not been easy!

She said: "I have always been big, even as a child, but I think chips and crisps were my biggest downfall.

"The most difficult part is having to watch everything I eat but I still have a Chinese takeaway every Saturday and I don't deprive myself.

"The best part is when people comment on how I look and I definitely feel like a new person."

Melanie, who turns 30 this year, isn't the only person who thinks so - husband Adrian and children, Ben and Elisha, are also proud of their new, slimline wife and mum.

Melanie said: "My family have been really supportive - my dad is giving me £1 for every pound I lose and Ben is always asking how many points are in things and whether I should be eating them."

But there is one thing which Adrian isn't happy about - Melanie's clothes were so baggy that she had to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe.

"For the first time in my life I can go into any shop and find something that fits and this is the first Christmas that I have wanted to buy a party dress" Melanie said.

But she added: "It has been quite expensive as I have to look smart for work and Adrian cringes now every time I go shopping."