A Moray woman with ME has taken part in a weight-loss challenge for a year to raise funds for an athletics track in Elgin.
Violet Beattie managed to lose just short of two stone and has helped to make almost £900 since she started her initiative in March 2018.
The money will go towards helping to build a new athletics track at the under-construction £12million Moray Sports Centre (MSC).
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Ms Beattie suffers from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, a chronic condition which can cause debilitating pain and fatigue, so she had to dig deep after launching her scheme.
She has been involved with Elgin Amateur Athletics Club for the last 15 years and wanted to do her bit to assist with MSC’s ongoing fundraising.
Ms Beattie said: “I decided that I would raise money while I lost the pounds to help get better facilities for the talented athletes of Moray.”
“My aim is to lose weight for my health and wellbeing, and I’m hoping that when the pounds drop off my pains will be more bearable. This will allow me to get down and play with the grandchildren without having problems getting back up off the floor.”
Ms Beattie worked with MSC who offered nutrition and exercise advice, which helped her lose 27 lb and drop four dress sizes while she raised £873 for the new facilities.
Her final weigh-in was March 21 and she was thrilled to lose so much weight.
She said: “Being fitter and healthier is great, even though some days I don’t feel it. Being able to do things without the struggles is fantastic and, most of all, not being in so much pain is a relief.
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“I feel absolutely great and proud to have completed Violet’s Challenge and raise money for athletics in Moray. Thank you to all who have supported me on this journey.”
Laura Grace, marketing and communications assistant at Moray Sports Centre, hailed Ms Beattie for her brilliant work.
She said: “Violet does so much for athletics and has been a great champion for the Moray Sports Centre. With her consistent help and fund-raising efforts, we are a step closer to being able to provide a running track Moray desperately needs.
“As we are a charity, there is still a long way to go before this is a reality, but with people like Violet helping us, we are on the right track.”
