24 May Retired teacher puts best foot forward for Mercy Ships after weight loss
A former primary school teacher who transformed her health through running is raising money for Mercy Ships by taking part in one of Scotland’s biggest running events this weekend.
Elisabeth Wallwork, 59, who lives in Troon, Scotland, weighed six stone heavier in January 2021, when she started to transform her life step by step.
First through sessions with a personal trainer at Irvine-based Scott Brown Fitness gym, and then with the NHS Couch to 5K running challenge.
Along with a weight loss regime, she says she became healthier and happier and is now challenging herself to jog longer distances with the Troon-based running club, Monkton Milers.
Elisabeth, who was a primary school teacher in Inverclyde for 12 years, is set to run the Edinburgh Half Marathon on May 28.
The mum of two said:
“I joined the Couch to 5K and started running short distances, and then a 10K and then more. I then thought that I can challenge myself to a half marathon and decided I wanted to do it for a good cause.”
She had heard of international Christian charity Mercy Ships through her church and was reminded of its work through her Instagram feed.
The charity operates hospital ships and other healthcare services for those who have very little access to safe medical care in sub-Saharan Africa, where 9 out of 10 people do not have access to safe surgery.
Elisabeth said:
“I just think that it’s life changing for people, as so many are not able to access medical care or just have simple operations that can make a huge difference to their lives.
“I feel so much healthier, fitter and mentally better, and I appreciate my good health and realise others are not so lucky. We are very fortunate in this country with our access to health services when we need them and I want to help those who do not have the same.”
To help Elisabeth hit her £500 target visit her JustGiving fundraising page.