A Penryn mother has lost five stone, and counting, thanks to the health, wellbeing and sport programme at Truro College which is influencing staff and students to make positive changes.

For Louise Aspinall, from Penryn and a senior secretary at the college, the initiative has been life-changing. “I started my weight loss journey in summer 2014 – I really wanted to get fit and healthy, and more importantly, set a good example for my children,” she said.

Louise’s first step was to join a spinning class at the college, where she met the college sports maker Julian Wills, who co-ordinates the health, wellbeing and sport activities and helped with motivation.

Through the Weigh to Go programme offered to college staff, Louise attended more fitness classes, and she also took up running with support from the Couch to 5K app.

By the end of 2014, Louise had already lost a stone, and now has shed a total of five stone and four dress sizes. Talking about the Weigh to Go initiative, she said: “I like that it’s an individual programme compared to other weight-loss groups. It’s really worthwhile. The health, wellbeing and sport team are great, any worries you might have they really put your mind at ease and give you the support to keep at it.”

Louise currently does circuit training, spinning classes and runs at least three times a week, which includes a 5K run during her lunchtime. Her latest achievement was to complete the Burrator 10K night run in just over an hour with other health, wellbeing and sport participants, with a half marathon being her next goal.