A SIX week cycling holiday in America helped push Yelverton Slimming World member Pat Crossley over her weight target – to lose a healthy five stone, ten and a half lbs. Pat decided to do something about her weight in 2002 after years of pain in her hips and knees. After receiving a leaflet through the door from Slimming World she went along to a class at Yelverton, and slowly the weight began to come off. By December 2004 she reached her weight loss of five stone. As a treat for losing the weight Pat and her husband arranged the holiday in America. When she came home in September Pat went to Slimming World and discovered she had lost a further 10lbs. Pat, a teaching assistant at Lady Modiford's Primary School in Walkhampton, said: 'We cycled almost 1,500 miles down the coastline of Oregon and California from Seattle to Los Angeles. It was the most wonderful experience. 'I admit it was hard work at times. They have very long hills in America but I had the experiences of cycling through Coastal Redwood forests and also along the beach boardwalk in Santa Monica and Venice Beach. 'My life has changed such a lot since losing the weight. I enjoy life so much now. I can run up and down the stairs and my knees, hips and back no longer give me pain. 'I have a lot to thank Slimming World for — a wardrobe of clothes six sizes smaller than I used to wear, better health and memories of a terrific holiday.' Andrea Lyons, the Yelverton Slimming World consultant, said: 'I started in July this year and Pat started in September. I am very proud of her.' For more information contact Andrea on 01822 841446 or go to the Rock Methodist Church in Yelverton at 7pm on Wednesdays.