FOR the past eleven months, local Bude lady, Steph Jones-Giles, has been aiming to shed the pounds to raise money for charity.

Steph decided to slim to raise money for the Dr Hadwen Trust (DHT) in memory of her father, Phil Jones, who died of heart disease in 2015 at just 65 years old.

The Dr Hadwen Trust 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 disease, asthma, as well as kidney, heart and liver disease, and diabetes, to name just a few.

In August, the Post reported on Dr Hadwen Trust’s funding for the University of Dundee’s pioneering work to teach doctors life-saving surgical interventions, and to test new medical devices. Steph is delighted that the money she has raised is being directed into the heart stream of this research.

Steph set herself a target of a three-stone weight loss, with a secret hope that she would achieved a five-stone loss. Since starting her journey, she has lost an amazing five stone, nine pounds, and raised over £3,800.

Steph told the Post: “I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Bude. I cannot believe that I have raised so much money. Many people have chosen to gift aid their donations also, and so the final figure will be substantially more.

“I am also delighted to say that I am now only considered ‘overweight’ on the BMI, and that is somewhere I haven’t been since I was 21 years old, so it’s quite an achievement! My aim this year was to change my lifestyle, and I have done that. I am now someone who balances their calorie intake and exercises. I have been using the gym and attending exercise classes for the first time ever, and I love it!

“There are so many people to thank, so have done so in person — you all know who you are! Special mention must go to Paul Barlow for his skilled one on one psychological support, and David Herman for his encouragement and free use of the gym during the challenge.

“Thanks to the Bude and Stratton Post for their continual support, and finally to my amazing partner, Jen, who has been my chef and constant support.”

Steph added: “I have proved to myself that it is indeed ‘all in the mind’, and as someone with a lifelong weight problem, I would encourage anyone who wants to lose weight to go for it — it really is possible!”