Shopping prize win ends year on a high for East Preston woman

Carol entered the Herald and Gazette’s competition to win a £150 makeover at Debenhams.

She spent two hours with Gay Richardson, personal shopper at the Chapel Road department store, deciding on new outfits to suit her new size.

Carol, 61, of Hillview Crescent, East Preston, said: “I’m a diabetic and insulin made me gain weight dramatically.

“Doctors said I needed to have a gastric bypass, which is something they are testing, for diabetics, because it can help keep blood sugar levels down. I used to weigh 21 stone and am now about 12 stone.

“Since having the bypass, I’ve dropped from a dress size 30 to a size 16 – it means I can now shop anywhere I like.”

Gay and Carol selected two outfits. A pair of black trousers and a blue knitted tunic, and an outfit to exercise in – Pineapple tracksuit bottoms, a turquoise t-shirt and a grey hooded top.

Gay said: “The tunic from John Rocha perfectly suited Carol’s colouring and accentuated her bright blue eyes. Worn with black Ponte smart trousers, it is an outfit Carol could wear to the pub for lunch or dinner and also to work.

“She looked very trim in her exercise outfit.”

Carol said: “I wasn’t sure what to expect of the personal shopping experience, but I needn’t have worried – it was fun, and Gay was very honest and helped me select some really lovely outfits.

“It was a great experience, and I am so pleased I entered the competition.”