A morbidly obese Dundee woman who was told she only had five years to live has scooped a top fitness award.

Alison Grant (38), of Blackness Road, lost more than 11 stones after being warned her weight was putting her life at risk.

Four years ago she was classed as morbidly obese and was told she had only five to ten years to live.

It was then she decided to take drastic action and turn her life around.

“I decided I had to do something and joined Fitness First Dundee as I had to be there for my daughter Sarah as she was growing up,” she said.

Alison’s hard work has now been recognised and her life-changing regime won her a first place in the First New You Achievement awards.

The now slender mum, who also suffers from multiple sclerosis, said her problems with weight began at school when she was overweight, bullied and hated PE classes.

However, following her doctor’s shocking revelation, and faced with the prospect of having just five years to live, Alison began eating healthier, joined a gym and linked up with a personal trainer to keep the pounds off.

Through regular exercise with her personal trainer, Scott Mackenzie, and a healthy diet, Alison has gone from a size 34 to a svelte size 16 and said she is thrilled to finally be able “look down and see my feet.”

“I had read about Fitness First and saw other people’s stories on its website, but I was still nervous about going,” she said.

“Initially I struggled with motivation, but after meeting Scott I know that I have changed for good—I just want to inspire others now.”

Despite being diagnosed with MS, Alison is determined to stick to her fitness saying motivation is no longer a problem for her as the benefits of her new-found fitness are impossible to describe.

Alison was one of 15 finalists in five categories at the awards, and the judges described her story as truly inspirational.

Fitness First managing director John Gamble said, “She is exactly the kind of person these awards set out to recognise.

“Fitness First has helped Alison transform her weight, fitness and overall confidence.

“Her motivation and determination are admirable.”