Fat fighter limbers up for charity race

Annette Howard, 45, from Chervil Road, Hemel Hempstead, will run the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon in London’s Hyde Park on October 11 in a bid to raise £1,000 for The Hospice of St Francis.

Annette, who works as a marine data subject matter expert, has been on a mission to get fit since joining the hospice’s ‘biggest loser’ challenge in January last year and has since lost 70lb by following a diet and exercise plan.

She is now a Parkrun expert having completed more than 40 park runs including the Verulamium Park in St Albans and the Gadebridge Park circuit in Hemel Hempstead.

Annette said: “Sadly my father passed away in the hospice ten years ago and the care that he received during the short time he was there was fantastic.

She added: “Whatever running event I take part in, I fully embrace the fact that I am fit and healthy enough to participate and that I have the drive and determination to keep pushing myself to improve.

“I look back to 18 months ago when I wouldn’t even run to get into the car if it was raining and I can’t believe I am the same person.”

Search ‘Annette Howard’ at www.justgiving.com to donate.