A woman from Abercynon who was previously too conscious of her weight to run publicly is now training for the Cardiff Half Marathon after a dramatic seven-week TV health transformation.

The leaders of S4C health FFIT Cymru series achieved stunning results as they collectively lost over 10 stone in weight and transformed their health in just seven weeks.

Among them was Ruth Roberts, aged 40, who lives in Abercynon with fiancé Alex.

After following FFIT Cymru’s special food and exercise plans, Ruth and the leaders made significant progress in terms of fitness, nutrition and overall health, including completing the FFIT Cymru Parkrun 5K challenge after six weeks of the journey.

The leaders were guided by the series’ three experts, trainee dietitian and former Great British Bake off star, Beca Lyne-Pirkis, fitness instructor Rae Carpenter and psychologist Dr Ioan Rees.

Dr Ioan said: “They did brilliantly. It’s a different mental challenge for everyone – there are ups and there are downs, both of which are equally important on the journey. I think we’ve seen progress in all five and what they’ve done is discover their own ability to improve.”

Ruth has been a member of the CDF Runners running club committee for many years, but now she has the confidence to run with the club too and has signed up to take part in the Cardiff Half Marathon in October. She has lost a stone and six pounds in weight and 23 inches off her body in the process.

Ruth said: “This has changed my life. To think back to how I thought of myself at first, I don’t think like that now. I have just turned around completely. I can do it now, I know I can do it. Ruth is back.

“I love myself now. I’ve lost weight and I’m much healthier now and I feel like I can do anything.”

FFIT Cymru will be back at the end of the year to see how the five leaders have continued their transformation over the next six months. Watch the entire series on demand on S4C Clic or BBC iPlayer. For more details on the food and fitness plans, visit www.s4c.cymru/ffitcymru, or follow @ffitcymru on social media.