A WOMAN frequently left bedbound by debilitating illnesses has shed more than half her body weight – and her secret is incredibly simple.

Jess Gould, 28 and from Bredon, requires full-time care due to suffering with fibromyalgia – a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body – myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, non-epileptic seizures, polycystic ovaries, an underactive thyroid, depression and anxiety.

But that catalogue of ailments has been defied through controlling her carbohydrate intake and taking part in as much exercise as she can muster, dropping from more than 24 stone to 10 stone two pounds, a loss of almost 14 stone.

"It is a case of moving as much as you can," said Miss Gould.

"I have a sofa cycle and on good days I do as much as I possibly can with my legs and arms.

"On a very good day I might do a bit of a fibro-friendly aerobics class via YouTube. They are all easy things so I would say anyone could do it.

"I have about 10 or 11 different ailments but it is the fibromyalgia and ME that really affect my mobility.

"A lot of people say to me they cannot do it with polycystic ovaries and hypothyroidism but I have both, anyone can do it.

"It is a case of cutting down your calories, having less than 150 grams of carbohydrates per day and doing exercise, even if it is just a little bit like stretching in bed, it all helps."

Born in Cleeve Prior and raised in Evesham, Jess's weight was impacting or more areas of her health until she decided to do something about it.

"I used to stop breathing in my sleep because the weight was crushing my lungs, I don't have that now," she added.

"It has helped me to move myself around when I am stuck in bed, it is easier to move myself and for my partner to help me.

"There is a lot less pressure on my joints as well. The only down side is the loose skin which has impacted on my mobility."

And it is that side of things where she hopes to enlist the help of medics once Covid limitations permit.

"I would like to get help with that but we don't know whether that is something that could be done on the NHS," said Miss Gould.

"I cannot afford surgery myself. My doctor cannot refer me at the moment and there are no guarantees."