Jeni loses five stone and changes her life
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AFTER taking the photo on the left in March last year Jeni Johnston made a firm pledge to herself.
Vowing that she did not want to be 'fat and 40', the mum-of-three set about turning her life around.
When Jeni's 40th birthday came around in September she spent the day hiking to the top of Ben Nevis.
She said: "It was an amazing way to celebrate. Getting to the top felt wonderful.
"And once I realised what I was capable of I signed up for the London marathon."
Jeni, who's married to RAF Lossiemouth serviceman Danny, succeeded in running the whole first ten miles of the race, which was a personal best.
She then walked and jogged the remaining 16 miles to finish the marathon in a time of 6 hours and 49 minutes.
Her running efforts raised £1445 which was divided between two good causes.
Jeni, who's employed as a home schooling worker, said: "Diabetes UK and Dementia UK are two charities close to my heart.
"My youngest son Harry was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was six.
"I would love for a cure to be found in his lifetime so he can live a life without worry, fear, carb counting and injections.
"He is an inspiration to me because he never moans and has taken this disease in his stride.
"He also has the support of his nan who's also a diabetic and is a role model to Harry.
"The second charity was because of my dad Eddie who we miss every day.
"We lost him to dementia, a horrible cruel disease, when he was still so young.
"Watching him disappear in front of our eyes was heartbreaking.
"Mum lost her soul mate, I lost my best friend and we lost the backbone of our family.
"Dad was always a sporty, fit, healthy man so it was wonderful to be able to run in his memory.
"I want to thank all three of my children – Harry, Lilly and James – for helping around the house and giving me the time to train."
Jeni began with WW (the new Weight Watchers) in March last year.
As a way to stay motivated and also help others she has now become a WW coach and runs workshops in Nairn, Forres, Lossiemouth and Elgin.
One of her goals now is to run the Loch Ness Marathon in October.
Another is to lose a further three stone to add to the five already shed.
Jeni, who lives in Hopeman, said: "The difference in how I feel now compared to March last year is just amazing. Everything is different – my confidence, my self-esteem, my health. I almost feel like a different person.
"I'm so glad I decided to take that first step, and the truth is that if I can do it then anybody can."
