i Married A Stranger!

Even Katie and Liam’s wedding guests didn’t recognise them

Hearing titters down the school corridor, I knew what lay ahead. ‘Here comes Bruce Bogtrotter,’ taunted a mean voice.

‘Who ate all the pies?’ giggled someone else.

Brushing past, my head bowed, I swiftly hurried home.

It was 2005, I was 16, and these bullying jibes had become like my soundtrack.

‘Bruce Bogtrotter, Bruce Bogtrotter, Bruce Bogtrotter, Bruce…’

He’s a character in Roald Dahl’s Matilda, who’s forced by headmistress Miss Trunchbull to eat a giant chocolate cake in front of all the class.

Like him, I loved eating. Cereal, cakes, cheesy pastries. You name it, I’d scoff it.

Aged 17, I needed a routine op to repair a split tendon in my left foot. Not a direct result of my weight – but not helped by it, either.

Before surgery, the doctor was blunt about my 14st, 5ft 2in frame.

‘Katie’s morbidly obese,’ he told my mum Karen, 52.

Mortifying, but even his warning and the school bullies weren’t enough to make an impact.

At 18, I started at Leeds Uni, studying Nursing. I loved student life. By day, I’d be learning at the local hospital, by night, I’d be on the town – endless glasses of wine, kebabs…

And one of the nights out, in 2008, was extra special. I spotted a total hunk. Tall, wellbuilt, brown eyes and spiky, dark hair.

My sizeable tummy flipped. Full of Dutch courage, I sauntered up to him.

‘How did you get to be so fit?’ I cheekily asked.

‘If you think I’m fit, you should look at yourself,’ he replied.

My vow

Over the next few weeks, Liam and I got to know each other. We’d go to the pictures, where I’d gobble popcorn. Or to restaurants for yummy meals.

By 2011, we were a longestablished couple. And, as our love grew, so did our tummies.

In April 2014, on a tour of a brewery for Liam’s birthday, he dropped to one knee.

‘Katie, you’re the love of my life. Marry me?’ he stammered. Of course, I said yes!

We set the date for October last year, planning to marry at Weetwood Hall – a swish hotel in Leeds. I was so excited...but there was something making me feel really stressed.

‘I don’t want to be Bruce Bogtrotter on my wedding day,’ I said to Mum. ‘I want to be a gorgeous bride.’

‘You are gorgeous,’ she said. But I vowed that I’d lose weight. I’d tried diets before, but never stuck with them.

‘This time, I’m serious – and

AS OUR LOVE grew, SO did OUR tummies..!

the big day… Slimline SWEETHEARTS!

I need your help,’ I told Liam.

I wanted him to come to slimming club with me.

He agreed and had a confession himself.

‘I’m a secret eater,’ he said. ‘On the bus to and from work, I eat all sorts of junk.’ True, he was a big lad, over 19st, but he was so tall, he carried it well. I didn’t realise he was embarrassed about his size.

‘I want to lose weight – we’ll do it together,’ he said. In June 2014, at a slimming club in Leeds, we stood side-by-side in front of the weighing scales. ‘You first, Katie,’ smiled the class leader.

My jaw dropped – 15st 7lb. It was huge given my height. Liam’s dial spun to nearly 20st. We had a lot to shift before we’d be weddingready. But, supporting each other, nothing was impossible.

If I reached for a bowl of sugary cereal…

‘No, Katie,’ chided Liam.

If he sneaked a Snickers… ‘Liam…’ I’d smile.

Over the next few weeks, our clothes became looser. And wedding preparations hotted up. In October 2015, I chose a gorgeous, white chiffon dress in size-18 at a Leeds bridal boutique. ‘It’s beautiful,’ sniffed Mum. But, over the next few months, it had to be taken in four times, until it was a size-10! ‘Don’t lose any more,’ joked the seamstress on my final fitting. ‘Or the dress’ll slip off as you walk down the aisle!’

He’s a babe!

Finally, on 15 October, the big day was here. Seeing Liam waiting at the altar, I had butterflies.

‘You’re beautiful,’ he whispered.

‘You aren’t bad, either,’ I grinned.

He’d lost around 6st – looked great.

Hilariously, afterwards, some guests admitted they hadn’t even recognised us.

‘I’ve not seen you for years and you both look so different,’ laughed an aunt.

And an old family friend, tipsy in the loos, whispered, ‘Liam’s a babe. Well done!’

True, his fat had melted away to reveal a jawline so chiselled you could cut yourself on it. But, beneath Liam’s Hollywood-hunk good looks, he was still the same loveable Leeds lad I’d adored for years.

‘Fat or thin, I’ll love you forever,’ I told him that night.

We’re set to head to Disney World in Florida this year for our honeymoon.

Now, a few months on, we’re still losing weight.

The wedding might be over, but our married life’s just starting. Here’s to our happy, healthy future!