A MUM who was told she was too fat for an operation hopes to raise hundreds of pounds by shedding weight.

Mandy Dennett, 41, was told just hours before her back operation was to go ahead that she could not have surgery because she was too heavy.

Bosses at Dorset County Hospital claim that Mrs Dennett, of Puddletown, was told five months ago that she had to lose weight before the procedure could go ahead.

But the shocked mum of two says that no one had mentioned there was a problem until she turned up for surgery at the Dorchester hospital.

Now she has vowed to shed the pounds to raise money for the Friends of Puddletown School (FoPS) and to prove to doctors that if she had been told to lose weight she would have done.

"I am adamant that doctors did not tell me to lose weight. If they had told me months ago to do it then I would because I want this operation to give me the chance to do all the things that I want to do again."

Mrs Dennett said that she had embarked on the sponsored slim with help from her GP and had already lost a couple of pounds.

"I am still waiting for an appointment with the dietitian at Dorset County Hospital but I have been to see my GP and she has set me in the right direction.

"I hope to lose at least two stone to raise money for the school and to prove to doctors at the hospital that if they had said lose weight I would have.

"I have a son at the school and have been chairperson of FoPS for the last two years and I want to turn this situation into a positive outcome and I hope the community will sponsor me for this worthwhile cause."

Mrs Dennett damaged a disc in her spine after having her first baby 12 years ago.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Mrs Dennett should contact Puddletown First School on 01305 848206 or email the school at office@puddletownfirst.dorset.sch.uk