AN inspirational woman who survived a brain haemorrhage has embraced her second chance of life by shedding more than five stones.

Elaine Casement, 32, underwent life-saving surgery six years ago after suffering an aneurysm, reports the Greenock Telegraph.

Elaine, a senior clerical assistant with Inverclyde Council, took ill during a Zumba class and was rushed to hospital with a bleed on the brain.

She said: "It was scary, I didn't have any symptoms at all.

"I just took unwell and developed a sore head, high temperature and started being sick.

"I had a bleed in my brain and had to undergo brain surgery to stop it."

Elaine's mum tragically passed away from the same condition and she was told by medics she could have died too.

Elaine said: "Once I had built up my strength again, I knew I had been given a second chance in life and I didn't want to ruin that by being overweight."

Elaine decided to return to Weight Watchers in 2016 when she tipped the scales at more than 21 stones and was a size 26.

She said: "I was apprehensive at first but soon felt welcomed and got stuck in to plan.

"In week one I had an 8lbs loss, so I knew I was on my way.

"I was fairly fit for someone my size, but it was a struggle and I didn’t have the same energy at the end of the class that I do now."

Two years later Elaine has lost more than five and a half stones and dropped five dress sizes and is now teaching Zumba.

She said: "I feel amazing now,

"I wanted to be able to share my love of Zumba, so I undertook instructor training.

"I love making people smile and have fun while exercising."

She says that Weight Watchers has worked for her because she can still eat food she enjoys, as long as it is within the points allowance.

Elaine said: "I stuck to the plan and I soon started noticing the weight coming off.

"While on my weight loss journey I have taken part in many charity fitness events, such as the Race for Life 5k, Great Scottish Run 10k in 2016, numerous Zumbathons and I am training for the Great Scottish Run 10k at the end of September with a number of my work colleagues in memory of our boss and friend, Wilma Bain, who was the education director."

Elaine, who wants to thank Weight Watchers and coach Patsy Freeman, runs her Zumba classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6.30-7.30pm at the Rangers Club, Bank Street, Greenock and on Tuesdays from 6-7pm at Branchton Community Centre.