A slimmer who went from obese to svelte in 18 months is aiming to complete the London Marathon to raise money for a miscarriage support charity.
Netherton-born Gemma Safikhani Kashkooli (nee Williams) hopes to go the full distance in the capital, on April 26, and raise thousands for the Miscarriage Association.
Gemma is running the 26 miles in honour of her mum Helen, who suffered three miscarriages.
And along the way Gemma has had a few challenges of her own.
Just over two years ago, 5ft 3in Gemma, 32, weighed 16st.
But after joining a running club in her adopted city of Stockholm, Sweden, she dropped to less than 10st in 18 months.
And in September, the student midwife finished the Stockholm Half Marathon in approximately two hours.
So far the former Honley High and Greenhead College student has raised £1,679 for the charity which provides counselling and practical help for women who have suffered miscarriages as well as ectopic and molar pregnancies.
The mum-of-two has called her appeal ‘Run Gremlin Run’ after the bizarre way in which she used to run.
Gemma’s mum Helen, of Netherton, said: “It’s not a large charity; I think that’s why she chose it.
“She doesn’t think it’s talked about enough and now she’s training to be a midwife.”
Helen, 60, added: “I’m really proud of her; I didn’t think she would do it.”
If you want to sponsor Gemma, follow this link
