MOUNT Isa woman Dianne Stuart is on a mission to shed unwanted kilograms and raise money for Cancer Council Queensland.
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Ms Stuart made the decision to take charge of her life - and her weight - to reduce the risk of cancer.
“I’m really sick and tired of making excuses to justify my weight – I have to do something about it for the sake of my children, my health, and my charity work,” she said.
“I’ve been involved in Mount Isa Relay for Life for the past two years.
“At the end of last year I decided I wanted to do something worthwhile for myself and to raise money.”
Ms Stuart starting weight was 146 kilograms; it wasn’t until she hit 137 kilograms that she decided to create more awareness for cancer.
She is now down to 124 kilograms and has raised about $200.
Ms Stuart said her inspiration for losing weight came from her mother who died from cancer two years ago.
“My mum was a strong woman who never gave up on anything or anyone,” she said.
“With me being overweight it increases my chances of developing cancer too, as well as the heart problems.
“I don’t want my kids to lose their mum because I was too lazy to exercise.’’
Ms Stuart said she knows it’s not going to be easy.
“It’s not easy and I knew I couldn’t do this alone, so I asked for help, for myself and for Relay,” she said.
“Anytime Fitness gave me a gym membership, Second to None Nutrition in Mount Isa helped with supplements and meal plans and Something Zesty gave me plenty of nutrition advice. “Here’s to a healthier and happier 2015 as I fight back against cancer and give hope to those in our community living with the disease.
“I made excuses for too long, but there is no excuse not to live a healthy life and take part in Relay for Life.
“Being involved in Relay for Life has been my motivation and made me realise that my lifestyle choices are increasing my risks of cancer and I need to do something about it now.”
Cancer Council Queensland Relay For Life co-ordinator Amanda Power commended Ms Stuart for leading by example.
“Many people may not realise that one-third of all cancers are preventable with simple lifestyle changes including eating healthily, being SunSmart, moving more, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake,” Ms Power said.
“There is no better time than now to start leading a healthier lifestyle and I encourage others to also use Relay For Life as their motivation to make a difference personally, and in the community.”
Relay For Life is an 18-hour event involving teams of up to 15 people keeping a baton moving in a relay-style walk or run overnight, in support of the one in two Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
To register a team, visit www.relayforlife.org.au or call the fund-raising hotline 1300656585.