Super slimmer from Harold Hill sheds 12st in two years

Shaheen before (Image: Archant)

Shaheen Pratten, of Harold Hill, was a size 24, weighing 23st 14lbs when she joined Central Park Leisure Centre near her home in Harold Hill in late 2013.

She joined classes and spent hour after hour in the gym and is now reaping the rewards, weighing 12st 6lbs – a loss of 11st 8lbs.

And after running a few 10km races locally, she is ready to take the next step.

“I feel fantastic now, full of energy and enthusiasm,” said Shaheen, 45. “Having reached this stage however, I feel I need a new challenge.”

“I tried for the London Marathon but didn’t get in on the ballot. However, when I thought about it, I realised it might be better to run a half marathon first and progress from there.”

Staff at the Everyone Active gym offered their help and personal trainer Danny Finch invited her to join his team for the Vitality North London Half Marathon in March.

“As soon as I heard about the chance to train and run with others and knowing I could call upon the support of Danny and the Everyone Active team it gave me the confidence I needed to enter the race,” she said.

“This is twice the distance I’ve ever run so it’s a challenge and a really worthwhile new goal for the New Year.”

Danny said the marathon was a good race for people of all abilities as it’s flat and passes through parks and open spaces before finishing at Wembley Stadium.

“It’s perfectly timed as a training run for the Brighton and London marathons, it gives New Year resolution setters time to train fully and for first timers like Shaheen it will give a friendly backdrop, fuss-free organisation and an iconic finish line to aim for.”

To sign up for the marathon visit northlondonhalf.com.