As a staunch fan of classical music, Jacquie Wittstock loved going to concerts. But weighing 24 stone, she dreaded having to squeeze her size 34 body into theatre seats.

After one too many uncomfortable shows, and a rather difficult flight to Australia, the council worker finally decided that enough was enough and embarked on a healthy diet.

In just 16 months the 47-year-old from Burntwood has shed a whopping 11st, and can now sink her size 12 figure into theatre seats with ease.

Jacquie, a benefits officer at Walsall Council, said her weight ballooned after bingeing on crisps, chocolate and creamy milkshakes.

“People don’t realise how miserable it is to be very overweight – you avoid going out because you know you will struggle to fit through the doors of the public toilets,” said Jacquie, who now weighs 13st.

“I love classical music but when I went to the Symphony Hall in Birmingham I would feel sorry for the people sitting next to me.

“I knew that when they saw me approaching to sit next to them their heart must have dropped to their toes and I would struggle to fit into the seats.”

Visiting her sister in Australia was an ordeal as she felt she was taking up too much room on the plane.

In October 2010 Jacquie took the plunge and joined WeightWatchers at Burntwood Community Centre, eating salads, fresh fish and fruit. And when she slimmed down to a size 18 she started doing regular exercise and entered the Race for Life in memory of her father who died of cancer when he was 28.

Jacquie enjoys running and can swim 100 lengths in 53 minutes. There is no stopping her now, as she is training to become a triathlete. “My self-esteem and confidence has gone through the roof and there is no more sitting at home eating – I spend too much time exercising to do that,” she said.