"Just over a year on and I have dropped from a size 20 to a size 14, and I am still a wee way off my goal weight.
"I am not a natural exercise bunny, so it's been mostly through changing my eating habits. But I have started walking. I did the Mothers Day challenge around Henley Lake.
"It was three laps and I didn't even think I'd make it around once - but I finished it!" she said. " I enjoy walking now, and try and go every second day."
Mary used to be a bad asthmatic, but hasn't had any symptoms for about eight months, which she attributes to her weight loss.
Weight Watchers allows people to prepare and eat their own foods, and count their 'points' as they go. "You can get bonus points for exercise, so I save mine up to 'spend' on the weekend," Mary says.
"It's really a good education about food portions and the 'cost' of different foods. Vegetables, apart from potato and kumara, are free, and you can have up to four items of fruit a day at no cost. There's no need to go hungry."
"If everyone could just take the opportunity to do this, it really does change your life."
And at only $69.00 per month, the price of joining Weight Watchers is soon offset by the food and drink you cut back on.
Great work, Mary - a wonderful inspiration!
