Week 11 Weight: 12st 13lbs (82.1kg) Total weight loss: 2st 5lbs

I AM now light enough to jump out of the plane. And this milestone has got me thinking about what I’ve achieved over the past 11 weeks with trainer Ronny Terry’s help.

Yes, it’s been about shedding pounds for a parachute jump for Prospect Hospice, but it’s not just movement I’ve gained and fat I’ve lost. I’ve also lost my belief that every inch of flesh above my elbows and below my calves must be shrouded in fabric to protect the eyes of unfortunate onlookers.

Instead, I’ve gained a shape more womanly than blob-like, and I am fitter and stronger than ever while being half the woman I was.

If I, of all people, can achieve some minor level of health and fitness, then all those other mad-cap dreams of mine suddenly become achievable. And it’s that confidence which has been the most powerful change, because it’s created the drive and that little bit of bravery to keep fighting against my inhibitions and banging against the boundaries of my other comfort zones.

On the surface it’s been relatively simple, but the biggest results and gains have been almost subsidiary – which gives me a neat little link to the work at Prospect.

Superficially, Prospect provides end-of-life care. But it doesn’t just bring ease and comfort to the dying.

It gives them and time to spend with their families. It gives comfort and reassurance to loved ones, and that, in turn, reassures and gives confidence to patients – a subsidiary but perhaps more important effect of Prospect’s care.

Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of extra support to bring positivity where you never even dreamed.

<li> For more on Liz’s weight loss journey, follow her blog at www.podge2plunge.

wordpress.com. For more information about Ronny, visit his website at www.switchfituk.co.uk.