DAYS after celebrating her birthday milestone Pat Nixon’s world fell apart.

A celebratory meal to commemorate her 60th birthday in July 2012 with family and friends had brought great enjoyment to Pat but the week following her birthday weekend was, she recalls “the worst week of my life”.

“On the Monday I had to have my dog put to sleep and in the evening I went to bed fine and I had a massive seizure during the night.”

The only recollection Pat has was of her husband, Peter, calling an ambulance and her being rushed on a blue light to the local hospital. Investigations revealed the devastating brain tumour diagnosis.

“It was a slow growing tumour. It had been there for some years,” says Pat, who had had no symptoms or any tell-tale signs anything was wrong.

Within the week Pat underwent an operation to remove the tumour. “I had the operation on the Friday. I don’t think my feet touched the floor that week. I seemed to be in a bit of a daze with it all happening but it was successful, the tumour was removed and fortunately it was benign so no further treatment was needed,” says Pat.

She returned to the family home in Riddlesden to recuperate. “I had plenty of rest and TLC.”

Pat admits it was a devastating ordeal and, because she’d had a seizure, she had to surrender her driving licence and sell her car. “That was a big shock to me but there was nothing I could do about it. Again I was devastated, losing my independence but I did manage. The whole thing was a shock to me, my family, and work colleagues,” says Pat, who worked as a deputy registrar in Bradford at the time.

“I think I am a very lucky lady to get through it, and be well again and I am glad I wasn’t at work or driving when it happened. So I have come back even stronger, fitter and more determined to succeed.”

And succeed she has – not just in her recovery but also in her battle to lose weight. Pat had tried before but seeing the photographs taken on a trip to see family in Australia gave her the impetus she needed. “I always said to myself at the beginning of each year that I would be slim for summer, but I never seemed to achieve it. Something was stopping me.“I decided enough was enough and joined Slimming World on January 5, 2012.

“I went back with my mind set and a will to succeed this time. I received a very warm welcome in group. My leader is Ros Tonks, she is fantastic and an inspiration with a wealth of knowledge. The group members are very friendly, joining in with each other having a laugh, sometimes a cry and a shoulder to lean on, but for me I have got through my journey with our lovely class, Ros and members supporting me all the way,” says Pat.

Following her health setback, Pat rejoined the Crossflatts class three weeks later. In 2013 she returned to Australia where she was able to show off her slimmer figure.

“My sister was shocked but over the moon to see the old Pat back,” says Pat.

At her heaviest, Pat weighed 15st 13½lb. Following Slimming World’s Extra Easy Plan, she has now achieved her 4st target – dropping from a dress size 24 to a 12/14. Exercise has also played a part in her slimming success. “Because I had to give the car up I make myself walk. The dog gets his legs walked off!” says Pat.

She says her slimming journey has been life changing. “I can now feel bones in places I couldn’t before. I feel amazing. I may be 62 but feel 32 at times.

“I’ve gone from feeling like a sack of potatoes to losing a sack of potatoes and I feel great.”