Kerry, 35, says she remains focused on the task in hand, and has enjoyed some great support from those around her.

"I'm now a member of Pace fitness centre," she said. "And after feeling quite daunted at the thought of going into a gym, I can honestly say I feel right at home."

"The staff are very welcoming and incredibly friendly, everyone is there for the same reason and are focused on getting fit and trim rather than showing off their credentials."

"A friend has joined to give me moral support and we encourage each other to keep going. My fitness program has been designed for me and is achievable but challenging and I move up a level when I feel I'm ready."

She added: "I'm enjoying the gym thoroughly. It's a little bit of time out for myself and I feel great afterwards. I'd recommend it to anyone wanting a healthy lifestyle change."

"It's very well equipped with helpful staff and a pleasant unintimidating environment."

Kerry aims to be fit enough to run next year's Race For Life in memory of her late father John Bird. And keeping up with the energy levels of son Dominic and stepson James is proving an incentive in itself.

"I took my friend Sarah along to the gym for moral support, and the staff were welcoming and very friendly," she said. "I must say I surprised myself with my enthusiasm and didn't give up for the whole hour pushing myself like never before."

"We went again on Tuesday straight from work and both went round with Faye who worked out our fitness programmes."