A DETERMINED woman who has lost eight stone in a year took part in her first ever half marathon and raised £470 for a Worcester charity.
Debra Berbezier took part in the Great Birmingham Run on Sunday, October 15 in aid of Deaf Direct, a charity which provides communication assistance, community support workers, training and equipment to those who suffer with hearing loss.
The trainee interpreter for the Lowesmoor charity completed the run in two hours, three minutes and 54 seconds, which marked the culmination of her own personal journey to lose weight and get fit.
She said: “Just over a year ago I was morbidly obese. I had terrible back pain and never exercised.
She decided to join a local Slimming World Group which gave her the motivation to join a gym.
“I then decided to try the Couch to 5K programme and went from not being able to run at all, to running 5ks without stopping in nine weeks. I’m 8st lighter and couldn’t be happier. I’ve since run 10ks, but have never done a half marathon, so I was thrilled to complete the Great Birmingham Run.
“Deaf Direct transforms people’s lives and I’ve transformed mine in the past year, so I feel proud having reached the finishing line knowing the funds I’m raising will be able to help another person.”
Philip Gerrard, chief executive of Deaf Direct, said “We’re extremely grateful to Debra for raising funds for us and for taking up this challenge.
“Without people like Debra, we would not be able to continue helping those with hearing loss who need us.
“We’re always looking for local individuals or businesses who want to help people living with hearing loss and their families. Huge thanks go to Debra, who completed the race in such a fantastic time.”
Visit www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/debraberbezier1 to donate to Debra’s cause or www.deafdirect.org.uk for more information.
