Wolverhampton councillor to run London Marathon after weighing nearly 30 STONE

Paul Sweet, age 51, will be taking part in the 26.2 mile race in April to raise as much money as he can for Sense, a disability charity that supports people with complex communication needs, including those are deafblind.

The cabinet member for public health and wellbeing for Wolverhampton council said: "My late brother John was hampered by being blind in one eye for most of his life, and his passing made me look for a charity that helps people with more complex needs which I could support.

"My own journey has been a rollercoaster to say the least. I was once approaching nearly 30 stone and had many health problems. I went up and down with my weight before being asked to take part in the council’s Call to Action in 2014 to tackle high levels of obesity in the city.

"Inspired by this, I managed to lose over eight stone and went onto to complete several 10ks and two half-marathons – but I've always wanted to do a full one."

Councillor Sweet's preparations for the London Marathon hit a setback last year when he suffered a fractured hip and had to undergo hernia surgery, during which he gained 20 kilograms as he was unable to run.

But he vowed to not let the weight gain get him down, and over time gently built back up the miles.

He has set a target of £1,500 for Sense, but hopes to raise even more if he can.

Joining Councillor Sweet in this year's London Marathon is Martha Cummings, the council’s voluntary sector coordinator, and Lisa Eardly, a nurse at Newbridge Surgery.

Both women are members of Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletics Club and volunteers at Wolverhampton parkrun.

Martha, who is also raising money for Sense, said: “I started running three years ago to lose a little weight and to get ready for the London Marathon which is my biggest challenge on my bucket list.

“I'm now lighter, fitter and in much better shape than when I started running, and have completed three 10ks and six half-marathons including the Great North Run and Birmingham Marathon – all to get me to London."

Lisa added: “Paul, Martha and I volunteer and run together at Wolverhampton parkrun at West Park every Saturday morning.

“This is my first London Marathon and I’ll be celebrating my 50th birthday a couple of weeks later.

“I’m fundraising for Kwale eye hospital in Kenya, as I’ve been fortunate to have three stints nursing voluntarily in Kenya.”

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-sweet6 to donate to Councillor Sweet, or justgiving.com/fundraising/Martha-Cummings to donate to Martha, or to help Lisa visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/lisaeardly1