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Supermum Louise McCandle with her friend and hairdresser Keris Weir
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Louise McCandless in her Black Swan outfit
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Louise with kids Macauley, Poppy Rose and Holly
Meet Northern Ireland’s very own Supermum.
Thirty-year-old Louise McCandless from Donaghcloney survived an abusive relationship, went to college, is single mum to three kids and she’s lost a whopping seven stone since January.
She even finds time for a punishing fitness regime that sees her competing in a national fitness competition this weekend.
Louise admitted the catalyst for her drastic life changing decision was her treatment at the hands of an abusive partner who bullied her because of her weight.
He’s long gone from from her life after Louise plucked up the courage to file a complaint leading to him being convicted.
Now, having charted her remarkable journey on Facebook, Louise has also become an internet sensation.
This weekend, Louise will be performing in a fitness competition in England, showing that underneath her fun and friendly exterior, there’s a ‘Black Swan’ that’s determined to train hard and show other women that they’re not on their own when trying to transform their physique.
In the competition, Louise has made her own costume, inspired by the movie Black Swan which stars Natalie Portman as the ballerina with a dark secret.
“I chose the costume because I think it mirrors the dark side in me,” laughed the gym bunny yesterday.
Louise, who works at the Tan Stand in Banbridge and Lurgan, told us what motivated her to undergo such a huge change in her lifestyle.
“I’ve been in relationships before where I didn’t feel comfortable and I was bullied because of my size,” she said. “I was over 16 stone and just going about my chores was exhausting.
“My eldest child Macauley, who’s six, has special needs and requires special attention as well, so raising him as well as looking after my four-year-old Poppy Rose and my newborn, Holly, all while holding down a job was tough.”
However, after Louise gave birth to Holly last October, things changed.
She decided to take her health matters into her own hands, and began an almost unbelievable 12-month journey – culminating in winning the Yummy Mummy award at the recent NIFMA Miss Northern Ireland competition at La Mon House Hotel last week.
“In January of this year I began to run every day. I didn’t care if it was sunny or if there was snow on the ground, I ran anyway. I would go to Lurgan Park and run laps of eight miles or more.
“Eventually, I joined a gym and began weight training as well. I changed my diet to minimise the amount of carbohydrates I was eating and eat plenty of meat and vegetables instead.”
On top of all her training, Louise has also been studying at home, gaining a diploma in social sciences.
“I wanted to prove everybody wrong who bullied me and made jokes about my weight,” she explained.
“It made me feel horrible and worthless, so when I started to train in January I decided I wasn’t going to stop. I really wanted to prove people wrong and show them who I really am. I also wanted to get healthy for my kids.”
Louise also revealed how her new fitness regime would have seemed impossible to her before she had Holly.
“I was constantly tired and exhausted before I began to lose weight. Just getting through the day felt like a workout to me.
“Now I work out before dropping the kids off to school. Then I do another workout in the afternoon, before cooking dinner and looking after the kids in the evening.
“I have so much more energy now, and I feel a lot better about myself.”
Louise also devotes much of her time to her Facebook page which has gained a strong following from people all over the world who have felt inspired by her story.
She’s even set up a new group called We are All Wonder Women, which she hopes will inspire women who have been bullied or have felt down because of their weight like she has in the past.
“I want other women who have been in a similar situation to me to know that there is more to your health and fitness than just losing weight,” Louise said.
“You don’t have to be skinny to be fit and healthy. I really want to help women achieve their goals and live healthier lives and feel confident in their own skin.”
Louise enters her second fitness competition today. She will be competing in four different categories at the Pure Elite fitness and bodybuilding competition in Margate, Kent.
“I’ve entered four categories and I’m really looking forward to the competition,” she said.
“The categories I’ve entered are; Theme Wear, Mums that Lift, Muscle Model and the Transformation category.
“I’m hoping all women that have been what I’ve been through will take inspiration from what I’ve done.
“It’s never too late.”