A MAN who lost six stone after being hurt by a comment made by an old school friend at a school reunion is using his story to inspire others.

Simon Cotton, 42, has grown in confidence and is no longer the shy, reserved man he once was after shedding the weight.

Following the 18-month transformation, which saw the fire alarm fitter drop from 17.5 stone to 11.5 stone, he is encouraging others to improve their lifestyle too.

Mr Cotton, of Mills Lane, Melksham, said: “I used to avoid situations where comments could be made on my weight, so I often stuck with family and close friends who I knew would never say anything.

“I then decided to brave a school reunion as it was an opportunity to see friends I hadn’t seen for many years.

“I went to say hello to someone I hadn’t seen for 23 years and instead of the pleasant greeting I had expected, I was greeted with a comment about how fat I had got.

“I laughed it off but inside it really hurt and it is the one lasting memory of what should have been a happy evening catching up with old friends.”

Not long after the reunion, Mr Cotton decided he needed to do something – not just to lose weight but to get fitter and feel better about himself.

He discovered that a new Slimming World group had opened in Melksham and after meeting the consultant by chance on a shopping trip, he decided to give it a go.

“I genuinely felt excited on that first night walking into group,” he added.

“I felt at ease, everyone was there for the same reason and it felt so supportive.”

“Not only that, but I was blown away by the lack of judgment.”

Mr Cotton said his confidence has now increased and he has a new found love of cooking after improving his culinary skills thanks to the group, adding that he loves to pose for photographs rather than hide in the shadows.

He has now become a Slimming World consultant and has started his own group, which opens on Tuesday, May 30 at 7.30pm at Melksham Riverside Club.

For more information contact Mr Cotton on 07743 406199 or search for Slimming World Melksham Riverside on Facebook.