To mark our 75th anniversary, we’re challenging you to take on your own 75 mile challenge to help support members of the fire services community in need. The distance is set, but how you get there is completely up to you. This is a weekly series of posts about a 75Miler of the week: This is #My75Miles.
Lesley Stevenson, 60, lives in West Sussex and has received more than £600 in sponsorships so far in support of her weight loss fundraiser.
Lesley, an Operations and Customer Service Manager for Broden Media, publishers of the Emergency Services Times, has set herself a goal of losing 75 pounds in time for this year’s Emergency Services Show, which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham in September.
Here, Lesley explains why she made the decision to take on this challenge:
“Before the Christmas break, my boss, David Brown – a Trustee of The Fire Fighters Charity – told me about the #My75Miles campaign and it inspired me. Anyone who knows me will know that I firmly believe feet are for car pedals, not bike pedals, and certainly not walking! So, I piped up, “I can lose 75 pounds.” (Not realising at the time that this is a little over 5 stone…)
“In January 2018, it dawned on me what a massive journey laid ahead, one I couldn’t do alone. I have been overwhelmed with support from work colleagues and friends from my volunteer group.”
Lesley’s ‘Slimming World’ wall of achievements
“Since 9 January I have lost 28.5 pounds (just over 2 stone) and the office wall is covered with certificates of my achievements so far. Shoes for walking have been purchased, encouraged by my other boss who is prepared to walk with me every day – who knows, perhaps I will get to walk 75 miles as well as losing 75 pounds!
“I am taking part because I have been involved in the firefighting community since 1974. My son’s father is a retired firefighter and I’m rather proud of being part of this community.
“The Fire Fighters Charity look after our emergency responders in their time of need – why wouldn’t I support them?”
