Fighting Fit Emma reverses diabetes diagnosis

INSPIRATIONAL mum-of-two Emma Richards really is Fighting Fit - after losing three stone and reversing diabetes by taking up running.

Emma, of Bramley, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes after her weight spiralled to more than 16st eight years ago.

Now she is preparing to run two half-marathons later this year after turning her life around.

Emma (40) said: “I have never been a poorly diabetic, but over a period of a couple of years my blood results weren’t coming back great.

“I had to get life insurance and that was costing me a hell of a lot.

“Then, in October, 2015, I went to see my GP, who put me on my fourth tablet for diabetes.

“It just shocked me and I didn’t know what was going to come next.”

The prescription and fears it brought spurred Emma into action and she joined a step aerobics class at the former Altered Images gym at Wickersley.

She also laced up her running shoes in a brave attempt to shed the pounds.

Emma said: “I joined the gym and I thought I might as well give it a go and I never looked back.

“I took up running in June last year at a Saturday morning club and then I took it up on my own when the group stopped.

“I only used to run short distances but within a month I could run 5km and I really enjoyed it.”

Emma is now a member of Maltby Running Club and runs twice a week.

Emma Richards before her weight loss.

She has even managed to drag husband Steve out on runs with her.

“I have gone from a size 24 or 26 to 16 and everything is great,” Emma added.

“Last time I got weighed, I was 13st 4lbs and I have gone from having really bad blood test results to reversing my diabetes.”

Emma is now preparing for two half-marathons this year - in North Lincolnshire in May and Manchester in October.

Emma added: “I used to see people out running when I was on my way home and think why on earth were they doing it, but it has completely changed my life.

“It just shows that with hard work and determination you can achieve anything.”