Story
<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.</p>
<p>On April 22nd 2012 I will be running in the London Marathon for SMILES, as part of a Slimming World team, raising money for the NSPCC. As a teacher I understand the importance of ensuring that all children have the right to lead happy, healthy and safe lives. Furthermore, the fact that I am part of a Slimming World team is also very significant, as it was through Slimming World that I gained the confidence to become a teacher - and my weight loss journey has been down to my own hard work, and also deeply underpinned and secured by the fantastic support that I received from my Slimming World group.</p>
<p>I joined Slimming World in May 2009, weighing in at 26 stone, 7.5lb - and wearing a size 30! I was unable to gain full time employment, got tired walking the short distance to the shops at the end of my road, and constantly made excuses to get out of anything that involved walking or where I would feel embarassed because of my size. I was a secret eater - seeking comfort in family sized bars of chocolate, rather than talking about my feelings or facing any issues head on. I pretended to be scared of heights because I knew that I would be too big to fit in the rides at theme parks, and I told my friends that I didn't enjoy going to clubs as I didn't like the music - when in actual fact I got tired dancing, and felt self-conscious of my size. Life was not at all fantastic, but after a friend's support and encouragement (thanks Jess!) I joined Slimming World, and I've never looked back!</p>
<p>It took me roughly 15 months to lose 15 stone - I lost about 3.5lb per week, and at that time I also started a teaching course and qualified as a primary school teacher. I went from a size 30 (at least!) to a size 10, from dreading any form of exercise - to regularly working out, and actually enjoying exercise! In January 2010 I decided to start running, and have been hooked ever since! I have run the Great South twice, and lots of other 10 mile, 10k and 5k races; and I've got to know Southampton very well on my training runs! Running is a passion, but it is also a great test - and this marathon will be a major test of my abilities. Come what may, I will get round those 26 miles!</p>
<p>I hope that you are able to donate something - whether it be a £1 or £100! Every penny counts, and like I said - it's a fantastic cause. I am so grateful to Slimming World for all the wonderful opportunities and doors that have been opened, from being Woman of the Year in 2010 - to running this marathon, Slimming World does an amazing job and I really want to shout that from the rooftops! Without Slimming World who knows what I would be doing... but it certainly wouldn't be the London Marathon! I've been so very lucky, and now it is my turn to do something to say thank you. Please if you could find it in your hearts to make a donation, I'd be very happy :-) </p>
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