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Carraig na bhFear woman Deirdre O’Donovan pictured with Operation Transformation host Kathryn Thomas, her husband John and sons Sean, 11, and two and a half year old Will.

Carraig na bhFear woman Deirdre O'Donovan, got the shock of her life this week when RTE's Operation Transformation host Kathryn Thomas called to her door to tell her she'd been selected to take part in the show. Not just that, but she has been chosen as one of its five leaders.

29-year-old Deirdre was one of over 500 people who applied to take part in the popular weight-loss challenge show. This will be the 7th series and will be broadcast in January.

Deirdre was just about to head out for a walk when show host, Kathryn Thomas, called to her house on Monday. She says she's delighted to have been chosen to take part in the weight loss challenge as she wants to stop the 'emotional eating' that has seen her weight balloon to 18st 9 lbs.

The show's doctor, Ciara Kelly said Deirdre's weight was a concern, with her cholesterol and blood pressure elevated and her running the risk of developing arthritis. Deirdre's body mass index of 49 puts her in the 'morbidly obese' range.

The bubbly mother-of-two works as a night-time care assistant, part time, at Mercy Hospital in Cork. It doesn't help her diet. Patients often press chocolates and sweets on her and she doesn't like to refuse. And, when her lunch break comes at 2 am, takeaways are what she often resorts to.

She told The Avondhu this week: "I'm ready for it. I'm looking forward to the challenge, to making changes in my life that are needed." She is a fan of the show anyway and believes it does help, not just those taking part, but viewers too. "It's a fabulous opportunity for anyone with weight to lose" she says; a great motivator for people to make similar changes in their lives.

Deirdre revealed that her husband John is 100% behind her. "He's my motivator, my rock, my best friend," she says. So too is her 11 year old son Sean, but two and half year old Will is a bit too young to understand it all.

Deirdre plans to enjoy Christmas and wait until January to make the change in habits that will be required. She won't overdo things though - it's stipulated that she must stick to her present weight until the programme starts in January.

"I'm hoping my story might help others. I'd love to see people in communities, not just in Carrignavar, people of all ages, form walking clubs and get out there. It'd also help with rural isolation," she points out.

Deirdre was half the weight she is now when she married John seven years ago. With her 30th birthday coming up, she'd love to shed the pounds to regain her figure. Her determination, along with the added motivation of the country following her progress and her local community egging her on, is likely to ensure she does just that.

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