I’m a 36-year-old mum of seven and nanny to 1.

Most days, my life is loud, busy, chaotic and full of love. School runs, washing piles, packed lunches, forgotten PE kits, bedtime stories, and trying to grab five minutes to breathe in between. Like many mums, I spent years putting myself last. My body had carried seven beautiful children, and I wore the stretch marks, the scars and the softness as part of the job.

But somewhere along the way, I stopped recognising the woman in the mirror.

I was exhausted, uncomfortable in my own skin, and struggling more than I wanted to admit. Simple things like bending down, walking for long periods, or playing with my children became harder. My confidence had disappeared, and my mental health was quietly taking a hit. I knew something had to change — not just for how I looked, but for how I felt.

In the small pockets of “spare time” that only a mum understands — early mornings, late nights, moments between the madness — I made a decision to take back control of my health.

No surgery.

No expensive programmes.

No magic fixes.

Just a calorie deficit, consistency, and determination.

Slowly, steadily, I began to lose weight. One pound at a time, One day at a time. I learned to be patient. I learned discipline. I learned that I was capable of more than I thought.

Over time, I lost an incredible 9 stone 7 pounds.

The weight came off. My energy came back. I felt proud of myself for the first time in years. I could run around with my children again. I felt stronger, healthier, happier. I can now be active in my children’s lives.

But there is a part of this journey that people don’t often talk about.

After losing such a large amount of weight, I’m now left with a significant amount of excess skin on my stomach. Skin that hangs, rubs, pulls, and causes discomfort daily. Skin that makes exercising, moving freely, and even getting dressed a challenge. Skin that is a constant reminder of where I was, even though I’ve worked so hard to change.

This isn’t about vanity.

This isn’t about wanting a “perfect body.”

This is about comfort. Mobility. Confidence. Mental wellbeing.

It’s about being able to fully enjoy the healthier life I’ve worked so hard to create.

A tummy tuck would remove the excess skin and allow me to move without pain, exercise without restriction, and feel comfortable in my own body again. Unfortunately, this surgery isn’t something I can afford on my own.

So I’m sharing my story and asking for help.

I have done the hard work. I changed my life naturally, through determination and consistency, while raising seven children and juggling everything that comes with it. Now I’m hoping to take the final step in this journey — not for cosmetic reasons, but to improve my quality of life and mental health.

If you feel able to donate, share, or support in any way, I would be forever grateful. Every little bit brings me closer to feeling truly comfortable in my own skin.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for being part of this journey with me