Morley slimmer's marathon gym challenge

Gemma Baker, 29, used an exercise bike and cross-trainer at the John Charles Centre for Sport to cover 50 miles and raise over £700 for Diabetes UK.

The University of Leeds student services worker was warned about her weight by doctors after tipping the scales at 25 stone. Since joining Weigh Ahead classes at the sports centre, she has shed six stone and her blood sugar levels are out of the high-risk zone.

“I always knew being overweight put me at risk of so many conditions; it wasn’t until I was told I was borderline Type 2 that it really meant anything. I was scared, knowing the impact diabetes can have, so I made a decision to change things around,” said Gemma.

“Making the changes to my lifestyle was the best decision I ever made. Physically my health is much better. This is just the start and there is still a long way to go, but I feel like I have been given a new shot at life.”