BUDE lady hits three stone weight loss target whilst raising awareness and money for the Dr Hadwen Trust (DHT) in memory of her father — now she’s set her sights on losing five stone.

Steph Jones-Giles lost her father Phil Jones to heart disease in April last year aged 65, and has been doing all she can, not only to shed the pounds, but also to raise as much money as she can specifically for heart disease research through the charity.

The DHT is the UK’s leading medical research charity that funds and promotes the development of techniques to replace the use of animals in research. It has funded research into cancer, Alzheimer’s, asthma, kidney, heart and liver disease and diabetes, to name only a few.

Steph said: “I have had such an enormous amount of support and encouragement from friends, family and at work. It is extremely motivating to hear all the lovely comments and to have nearly raised £2,000 plus gift aid already is very humbling. I have lived in Bude for 13 years now and never cease to be amazed at the generosity of the people who live here.

“Two such acts of generosity are witnessed in the actions of David Herman and Paul Barlow. When David, Director of Fusion Fitness and Wellness Centre, heard about my challenge at the beginning of the year, he contacted me and offered free use of the facilities for the year. This made my decision — I would have to start to use the gym!

“Crossing the threshold was hard, made easier by a friend coming with me initially, but almost immediately I relaxed. The atmosphere at Fusion is so welcoming and friendly and although there are some super-fit people there, I have never once been made to feel awkward or as if I didn’t fit in. For anyone in my position, wanting to lose weight and get fitter but feeling nervous about joining a gym I’d say go for it, ring David and have a look around together — it really isn’t as scary as you imagine.

“I am benefiting from being fitter and more supple and I am also getting into clothes I haven’t been able to wear for years which is nice. I am particularly pleased that I can now fit into a Dr Hadwen Trust T-shirt for the first time, I have had to wear my ordinary clothes to fundraisers but not from now on!

“I am as determined and focused as the day I began this challenge and this I credit to the support offered me by Paul Barlow from Nirvana Coaching and Counselling. He contacted me when he heard of the challenge and offered his services without charge. He is so very positive and encouraging and with him I believe I can achieve anything. He has pushed me to see beyond limits I have put on myself and although I haven’t had many wobbles yet, it is important to know he is there to talk them through. I am determined that I will get to a weight I am happy with — whatever that is — and not put it back on again.

“Paul has some tricks up his sleeve to help me achieve this and I look forward to the rest of the challenge together. Now I am working my way towards the five stone mark and with Paul, David and the support of everyone in my life, I know I can do it!

“The official end weigh-in is December 5 and so I will report back then on both weight loss and money raised.

“My special thanks also to the Post for approaching me at the beginning of the year and offering to follow my journey to help highlight the work of DHT.”

To keep up to date with Steph’s progress and to sponsor her, visit her Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/Steph-Jones-Giles.

l The Bude DHT group meets on the third Sunday of every month at 11am at Crooklets Beach Café — everyone who is interested is welcome. Call Steph on 07971 454214 for more details.