AN asthma sufferer who has discovered a new zest for life after taking up running is encouraging people to take advantage of a new Couch to 5K scheme.

Rebecca Turner has dramatically improved her lung capacity and overall fitness since joining a free running course in Durham City.

The sessions, run by Durham County Council in partnership withCounty Durham Sport and Run England, are being launched in Weardale this week and Mrs Turner is urging families to take up the opportunity.

The 33-year-old, from Consett, said: “Before starting the course, the last time I had taken part in any kind of organised running event was when I was ten. It was a 1.5-mile school fun run and I got half way around and vowed never to run again. I absolutely hated it.

“Earlier this year my asthma was getting really bad and I needed to do something to increase my lung capacity. I heard about the Couch to 5k course and decided to give it a go.”

Led by a qualified instructor, the course is aimed at people aged 16 and over. It is friendly and informal, with group members able to alternate between walking and running as they build up their fitness.

Mrs Turner said: “The first time I went I was shaking because I was scared I was going to make a fool out of myself. By the end of the session, I was so happy I almost cried. We started out just running for one minute at a time and I could manage that. I felt such a great sense of achievement.”

Mrs Turner now loves to go out running in the countryside and regularly pounds the footpaths of the Durham Dales with her husband.

She said: “It feels like someone has given me a wonderful gift. To be able to put on your trainers and get out and about in this beautiful scenery for free is amazing. My lung capacity has increased and I feel fantastic.”

The Weardale Couch to 5k course starts at St Anne’s Centre in Wolsingham tomorrow (Wednesday) at 6.30pm.

A walking group also meets at the Durham Dales Centre in Stanhope every Wednesday at 12.45pm.

Councillor Maria Plews, the council’s cabinet member for leisure, said: “Jogging and running are two of the most effective exercises you can do and I hope this will appeal to people who are just starting out and provide an achievable target for them.”

For information on either session call 03000 266 555.