The couple from Leigh are running this year’s London Marathon, which takes place in the capital on Sunday (April 13). Just 18 months ago they were overweight and unfit but now they’re ready to take on the gruelling 26 mile run after going through Wigan Council’s weight-loss programme.
And I was wishing them all the best as all three of us are running to raise funds for Wigan & Leigh Hospice.
I’m amazed at Shirley and Kieran’s achievements. They’ve both done remarkably well to lose so much weight and get fit enough to take on this challenge. They’re a great example for anyone who thinks they’d like to get in shape. I’d also like to pay tribute to Wigan Council’s weight-loss programme for helping them get to this point.
Supermarket checkout operator Shirley, 41, weighed over 16 stone at her heaviest. The mum-of-four blamed bad eating habits picked up during pregnancy for her excess weight. She lost five stone through Wigan Council’s Lose Weight Feel Great scheme, which involves a free 12 week Slimming World course and an exercise programme run by leisure provider WLCT.
IT worker Kieran, 34, weighed 23.5 stone in November 2012 when Shirley began her weight-loss journey. His wife’s success persuaded him to sign-up too. Kieran has now lost 10 stone.
The pair have been training hard for their first marathon and are hoping to raise more than £1,200 for the hospice. They’re aiming to complete the course in approximately four and a half hours and I'm aiming for a similar time.
I’ll look out for Shirley and Kieran during the marathon and hopefully we can encourage each other to keep going. My main aim is to beat Ed Balls.”
For more information on the Lose Weight Feel Great, call 01942 496496 or go online here.
