TORTOISE-keeper Liz McLellan, 34, above, has come out of her shell to take part in the Race for Life.

Before this year Liz was overweight and had no energy. She hated socialising, and leaving the house began to be a real issue.

She never did activities with her children, as she felt she would embarrass them.

And Liz regularly had to use her inhaler just to walk up the stairs.

"Now my children are so proud and happy that I can join in their games like all the other mums" said Liz. "I have bags more energy - I even go to the gym!"

Liz feels so confident and energetic that she will be participating in the Race for Life.

"Last year my blood pressure was so high and my asthma was so out of control I could never have taken part."

Now her blood pressure has gone down and her inhaler is rarely used. This is all because she has made simple changes to the way she eats, rather than the amount or her lifestyle.

Family days out now consist of bike-riding or walking activities that she would never have considered before. Her new way of life has even had an impact on her husband - he has lost two stone.