A mum-of-seven is fighting for the removal of saggy skin following her incredible 23-stone weight loss.

Evridiki Cruikshank, 47, of Braintree, has been refused funding for surgery because it is considered cosmetic rather than clinical, despite claims she has “Dot Cotton” arms and breasts.

Ms Cruikshank suffered depression following the death of her husband in 1999 and the still birth of her daughter 11 years ago.

Food became her friend and eventually she ballooned to 32 stone.

In 2010, she had a £22,000 gastric bypass and within a year and a half, she claims she lost the 23 stone by just eating jelly.

She said: “I have gone through hell to get this far.
“Everyone thinks what I have done is amazing, yet I have to carry on fighting."

Lisa Harrod-Rothwell, Chair of Mid Essex Central Eastern Commissioning Support Unit (CCG) said: “Some procedures are considered of cosmetic value.


“Making best use of our resources, on behalf of the 390,000 people we serve, means that we can only fund procedures and treatments that meet clinical needs."