A FORMER comfort-eater who ballooned to 30 stone has been named as a super slimmer after losing an astonishing 12 stone in little over a year.

Gary Ashby, 30, turned to Anglian Community Enterprise (Ace), which runs health services for the NHS across north Essex, for help after numerous failed diets.

The group’s free award-winning weight management programme sees health trainers help those in need to adopt healthier lifestyles and eat more healthily.

“I’d tried various diets in the past and had some short-term success but the weight always came back on again,” said Gary.

“I heard some very good things about the weight management programmes run by Ace.

“I opted for the one-to-one approach and, from the very first meeting, found the whole experience hassle-free – and effective.”

That first meeting was in July 2012 when Gary, who works for Tendring Council, weighed a fraction under 30 stone.

“I knew I was eating too much and I knew I was eating the wrong sort of food.

“Food was my comfort and I couldn’t identify seeing friends without eating,” added Gary.

“I knew my health was suffering. I had pre-diabetes, a constantly bad back, poor circulation and suffered from lack of sleep. I was fearful of heart problems developing.

“I have found my helper, Donna Angel, really inspirational. It’s not a diet and there is no calorie counting – just a sensible, structured approach to how you live your life."

Ace is inviting people to sign-up for group or one-to-one programmes starting in January. Call 01206 363002 for details.