A woman who found a cancerous lump in her breast "honestly, truly believes" it could have been a "very different story" had she not lost six stone in a year.

When Francesca Waite, 70, was shown a photograph of herself visiting the local Zoo with her daughter and grandson, she was "shocked to tears" by her body image.

Ms Waite, from Costessey, lost two stone during her first 12 weeks at Costessey Slimming World and went on to lose seven in total - six of which were in the first year.

Last year, she found a lump in her breast which was cancerous. After surgery, she was given the all-clear, but Ms Waite said this was "the best and most important thing" about losing weight.

Norwich Evening News: Francesca Waite with her grandson after losing the weightFrancesca Waite with her grandson after losing the weight (Image: Francesca Waite)

She adds: "If I hadn’t lost the weight, I would never have found the lump and it could have been a very different story.

"My whole life has changed for the better thanks to losing weight."

Ms Waite's blood pressure is now at a level where she no longer takes medication and her cholesterol levels are good. Her joints no longer hurt severely, so she can run around with her grandson.

"I love my food and knowing platefuls of yummy recipes were still available to me," she said. "I’m now proud to have my photo taken and love the new clothes I can wear."