A PORTLAND mum is celebrating after losing five stone in time for her 30th birthday.

Sarah Robinson, from Portland, said joining Slimming World and losing weight with their help and support, has been a life-changing experience.

The mum-of-two said she now had more confidence, both in her home life and in her business as a mobile hairdresser.

For the three years prior to joining the group in February 2013, Sarah suffered two slipped disks, deterioration of her spine and also had trouble with her hips.

She said this made exercising painful and day-to-day life hard work, looking after her two young boys, Dylan, eight, and Mallachy, six, and attending college to be a hairdresser.

After finishing college she had an operation on her back to correct the slipped disks.

Sarah said that over the time she was less mobile she put on weight. She said her confidence was low so she decided to do something about it.

Before joining the group Sarah said she was nervous and didn’t know what to expect.

But she said: “From the very first meeting I was made to feel so welcome by Sue Glenn, the consultant, and all the other members of the group.

“And every week I have enjoyed going to the group for great ideas and support. I have also made some lovely friends.”

Sarah reached her target weight loss of five stone in November – just before her 30th birthday. Sarah said it felt really good to have reached her target and now felt more confident and happy.

She said: “Losing the weight has had a huge impact on my life. I now have very little if any discomfort from my back and hips, which makes life so much easier and more enjoyable, and I have more energy to do things with my boys and it has helped with my work.

“But as well as the health benefits it has changed my life for the better. I’m a much happier, more confident person now in all aspects of my life.”