A DORSET woman called ‘Big Mac’ by bullies has lost four stone and is set to achieve her dream of running the London Marathon this weekend.

The race has been postponed and faced delays due to the coronavirus pandemic but is now due to go ahead in October.

Zoe Mole, 38, from Wimborne, joined Slimming World in January 2002 - weighing 13st 7lbs and wearing a size 18 - after ending an unhealthy relationship and reaching rock bottom.

Now, nearly two decades on, Zoe is celebrating being named Slimming World’s Top Target Consultant 2021 and will be representing Slimming World in a national team of slimmers from across the UK on Sunday, October 3, 2021.

The team will be running to raise money for Cancer Research UK and the Irish Cancer Society, with an aim to increase awareness of how keeping a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing some types of cancer.

Zoe said: “I can’t believe I’m running the marathon! By building my fitness up gradually through Slimming World’s Body Magic programme, I’ve really found a love for running.

“After spending years watching the race on TV and thinking it could never be me, to be actually running the world-famous London Marathon is a real dream come true!”

After joining Slimming World Zoe began following the healthy eating plan and discovered a love for cooking.

Bournemouth Echo:

Zoe Mole lost  four stone and is now running the London Marathon

She said: “When my consultant explained the eating plan, I couldn’t quite believe that I could lose weight without going hungry, and still enjoy all my favourite meals just by making changes to the way I prepared and cooked them.

“I need all the fuel I can get for marathon training – so potatoes, pasta, and rice are all regularly on the menu.”

Zoe became a Slimming World consultant in 2012 and now supports others to achieve their weight-loss dreams running groups in Corfe Mullen.

“It’s so special to be on the team. I’m so much happier and healthier and by losing weight I know I’ve reduced my chances of developing a range of health problems,” said Zoe.

“I can’t wait for the atmosphere on race day and to cross that finish line. Achieving this dream would never have been possible before losing weight.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/SWLondonMarathon2020 to sponsor Zoe and the Slimming World Marathon team.