Running for a cause: mum's six-stone transformation leads to marathon debut for grief charity
By Deborah Bowyer 19th Apr 2026
A Sandbach mum has shed over six stone in weight thanks to an online coach and a healthy eating plan and now she's preparing to run her first marathon.
Keen runner, Leila Evans from Brock Hollow, has run half marathons and over 100 Parkruns but she has never completed a marathon.
But this weekend she'll change all that when she takes part in the Newport Marathon Festival on Sunday (19 April) - in aid of the '2wish' charity which supports those affected by sudden death in young people.
Leila who has trimmed down from around size 20 to a size 12 said: "I was never a runner but since embarking on a health and fitness journey there are over 100 Parkruns under my belt and here we are two half marathons later about to tick a marathon off the old bucket list.
"Newport is one of the flattest marathon courses in Europe. Thank goodness as I'm not sure my dodgy old knee could take anything more just now.
"I have tried my best with training and will give it my best shot on the day. If nothing else, I am determined. I appreciate each and every one of you who have supported and encouraged me. Raising money for 2wish will make a difference to so many people."
Leila has already raised £450 from her fundraising page here and is hoping to add more to this as she completes her running challenge.
She added: "I used to have a craving for chocolate but I've retrained my brain and now do exercise and eat sensibly, My on-line coach here has helped her lose weight.
"I want to set a good example for my two sons," said Leila who can often be found running along the Salt Line and the local area to keep in shape. "I needed someone to help support me in my weight loss."
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