AN INSPIRING couple who lost 11 and a half stone have conquered the Sage Reading Half Marathon.

Nikki Rumboldt and her partner Keith, from Woodley, have turned their lives around and crossed the finish line on Sunday, along with thousands of other people.

The duo, both aged 44, started running last year when they were both at their heaviest and - fast forward to 2019 - Nikki has completed the Vitality Big Half Marathon in London and Reading Half Marathon in successive weekends.

Nikki said: "Never did I think I would be where I am now, but here I am, 4st 1lb lighter, and gone from a size 20 to a size 10/8 and so much fitter. W

"We started running in April 2018, something I would never have attempted before."

Keith, who has lost 7st 8lbs, and Nikki were running for the Sue Ryder Hospice in Nettlebed on Sunday, raising more than £1,200.

He added: "We enjoy spending time in the kitchen together. When we first joined Slimming World, we couldn’t believe how much food we could eat and still lose weight.

"Following the Slimming World plan allowed me to lose weight quickly and consistently.

“I will be staying on the Slimming World plan and attending as many group sessions as I can, because none of this would have been possible without the collective support and encouragement we get at group.”

Joining their local Slimming World group proved to be a key turning-point and they will be looking ahead to an ultramarathon in July.

Russel Gleed, who runs the Woodley Slimming World group, said: “Nikki and Keith are living proof that slimmers are more successful when they lose weight together and get support and motivation from others along their journey.

"They’re a real inspiration to the rest of the group, including me.”

Visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/Nikki-Rumboldt to donate to their fundraising page.

Woodley Wednesday Slimming World group meet at Emmanuel Church Centre every Wednesday at 4.30pm and 6.30pm.