Inspirational Kalee Diaper from Spalding aims to lose ten stone at Everybody’s Gym before taking on the London Marathon
A devoted daughter is taking on an ambitious fitness challenge - with a view to losing ten stone before she takes on the London Marathon in honour of her dad.
Kalee Diaper (34) has got a place in next year’s London Marathon to raise funds for the Anthony Nolan charity, which is close to her heart
She has teamed up with Heather Walker, a personal fitness trainer and training has started at Everybody’s Gym in Spalding with the duo working together towards the ambitious goal.
Kalee said: “My dad was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2012 and there is no cure – he has regular check-ups.
“I applied for the marathon as I would love to run it for him – but I thought, I can’t do this on my own.”
Kalee, who lives in Spalding, knew Heather through a family member and contacted her. She said: “I told her I had applied for a place in the marathon – and that I wanted to lose 10 stone.
“I have just completed my first 5k in under an hour, which I wanted to do.”
With less than six months until the 26.2 mile run which takes place on Sunday, April 21 the training programme will focus on weight loss and developing leg strength.
Kalee said: “I want that medal!
“I love my dad and can’t wait to see him at the finish line.”
Her father Martyn Cook (65) is monitored for his condition and Kalee said: “It is ten years to the day that I shaved my head for charity.
“Dad is incredible and he’s so proud.”
With already a stone in weight lost Kalee is getting guidance from fitness expert Heather who runs Tall Girl Fitness.
Heather said: “I think Kalee is an inspiration.
“I make the sessions as fun as possible – with work on abs and leg raises.
“Yes we all want to lose weight and run fast but we want to have fun doing it.
“It is helping to develop mental strength and putting it into practice – and having to dig deep.”
With personal experience of losing more than 11 stone herself, Heather and Kalee are prioritising exercise.
Heather said: “It is top of the list. If she puts the work in she will get the results – the impact on mental and personal health.”
Everybody’s gym owner Adam Jones said: “It is a really inspiring story – and she will pull it off.”
Kalee added: “I feel it’s not just for my dad now it’s for my people who are supporting me.”
You can visit the Just Giving website and search for ‘Kalee Diaper’ to support her efforts – or find the link here.
Got a story? Get in touch and email jenny.beake@iliffepublishing.co.uk