Fat fighter limbers up for charity race
A former yo-yo dieter who successfully battled the bulge is preparing to tackle a charity half-marathon after shedding five stone.
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.