A MUM-of-two from Leigh has lost more than five stone after taking up cycling.

Liz Parsons, of Belgrave Close, has spondylitis, which causes inflammation of the backbone joints.

The 56-year-old finds walking and sitting painful but she has discovered that cycling does not hurt her back and is the answer to her weight loss prayers.

Liz, who piled on the pounds after her condition made other forms of exercise too painful, said: “I knew that if I lost weight it would help my back but I never expected to have done so well and keep it off.”

Weighing 17 stone at her heaviest, she began cycling as part of an exercise regime encouraged by the Lowton Slimming World class that her and her husband Andrew attend.

Liz added: “Last year we rode 60 miles to Southport and back one weekend and this year we went 42 miles to Knutsford and Tatton Park.

“We have also gone 35 miles to Rivington via the canal path to Adlington, so we really clock up the miles, usually by going through lovely countryside away from traffic by using the cycle routes and canal towpaths.”

For more information about Slimming World contact Liz on 07956 061727 or visit slimmingworld.com.