A WOMAN who lost seven stones in weight is taking part in the Great North Run next month.

Marsha Giles, from Burnhope, near Stanley, in County Durham, is running the world famous half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields to raise money for the MS Trust.

Two years ago, running 13.1 miles would have been unthinkable for the mother-of-five and grandmother-of-one.

But with a sensible diet and exercise regime she went from 17 stone to ten stone within a year and now runs three times a week.

Mrs Giles, who is married to husband Peter and runs with the Blackhill Bounders, said: “I used meal replacements to start off with then started eating ‘clean meals’ where I am not having lots of bread and butter.

“It is being more aware of foods and choosing what is healthy, instead of piling a plate with meat and potatoes, and being more conscious of portion size.

“When I lost of a couple of stone I started to exercise and became a member of a gym and have kept it up.

“I have always wanted to do the Great North Run, but I never thought I would ever do it.”

Mrs Giles, who has already taken part in two 10km Race for Life events with Cancer Research UK, is increasing her training runs ahead of the event on September 13.

She said: “I have got my number through now with my name on so it is all seems very real. I am really looking forward to it.”