Determined Emma Brown has overcome chronic health problems and launched a new career — after finally losing the excess weight that had blighted her for years.

The 34-year-old, from Clipstone, is more than three stones lighter after plucking-up the courage to join slimming classes following numerous failed attempts to beat the bulge.

She is now set to inspire others by launching her own weekly classes, where she will be joined by family members who are also aiming to get into shape.

The mother-of-one and step-mum to three was motivated to shed the pounds after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia — a rheumatic condition that causes widespread pain — four years ago. It came after she first began developing symptoms two years earlier.

Her extra weight also caused sleep apnoea, where the walls of the throat relax and narrow during sleep, interrupting normal breathing.

She said: “I started with a bad shoulder that got progressively worse, causing me neck and shoulder pain, and severe headaches. After lots of investigations, blood tests and scans, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

“Although I had been overweight for years, I began to pile on even more, which affected my sleep.

“My partner (Jamie Shaw) told me how I would stop breathing for short periods and then take an almighty gasp. I used to wake up feeling like I hadn’t been to bed and became more and more depressed.

“I saw a sleep specialist, who said the only solution was to lose weight or use a CPAP unit to help me breathe at night. I didn’t relish the thought of that so, combined with the worry from my mum and dad, I knew I had to do something to help myself.”

Emma tried various “yo-yo” diets, but grew frustrated after losing just 5lbs in three months.

It wasn’t until she made the “life-changing” decision in June to join Slimming World classes at South Forest Leisure Complex, Edwinstowe — joined by her mum, Sue Partridge, for moral support — that her fortunes began to change.

Topping the scales at 16 stone and with a body mass index (BMI) of 41, 5ft 2ins Emma soon found inspiration from other like-minded people.

“Looking back, it was the best decision I ever made,” she said. “Everyone was so welcoming. There was no judgment; just help and support to keep you going.

“Having been bullied about my weight in the past, I was overwhelmed when I won the group’s Miss Slinky 2015 competition.”

Adopting a healthier lifestyle soon became a family affair, with Emma’s sister, Katie; brother-in-law, Jake; her son, Josh (11); and step-son, Harry (12); also joining the group.

Emma, employer engagement lead for health and leisure at West Nottinghamshire College, Mansfield, has started a second career as a Slimming World consultant.

She will be holding weekly Monday classes at Lifespring Church, Sherwood Drive, New Ollerton, from 7.30pm-9pm, starting on 7th March.

Emma said: “I can’t believe how much my health has improved. I sleep better, feel better and rarely suffer from the symptoms of my fibromyalgia. I haven’t been the weight I am now since I was 16.

“I’m determined to reach my 11-stone target and can’t wait to share my motivation, tips and support with others.”