AN “INSPIRATIONAL” young woman with Down’s Syndrome has been praised after she lost more than four stone during a health and fitness drive.

York College student Pearl Milnes, 20, of Bishophill, has experienced some difficult times coming to terms with the death of her sister, Ruby, on a York cycle track five years ago.

Her mother, Al, said: “She was devastated like the rest of the family.”

Her family were becoming increasingly concerned about her health last year after her weight increased to about 11 stones.

Al said: “Just over a year ago she decided to tackle it and joined both Emperor’s gym, in Skeldergate, and Slimming World.

“At the gym she does Zumba classes. I do them with her and they are great fun. She also has weekly sessions with her personal trainer, Mark Robinson.

“In between, she visits the gym and works out to music on her iPod. Over the year she has lost four stone and is now at her target weight and much happier and healthier, plus she had to get a whole new wardrobe!

“Pearl still goes to Slimming World as a ‘target member’ to maintain her weight and still goes to the gym which she really enjoys.

“She has gained so much in confidence that she goes on her own now.”

Mark said: “Pearl’s story is a fantastic tribute to all her hard work and an inspiration to others. She has had some difficult times coming to terms with the death of Ruby.” He said because of her Down’s Syndrome, Pearl had issues communicating with others and easily got confused.

He said: “Joining a gym and trying to lose weight is intimidating and hard work for the best of us, so I think Pearl deserves special recognition for her achievement.”

• Ruby, 17, died when the bicycle she was riding collided with a lorry where a road and cycle track crossed on Knavesmire in May, 2008. The organisation which runs York Racecourse has denied breaching health and safety regulations and is to stand trial at York Crown Court later this year.