Kentish Express Ashford & District
Helen proves ‘fat girl’ bullies wrong
Novice runner so proud after half-marathon
An Ashford mum has beaten the bullies in the best way – by completing her first half-marathon.
Helen Merrick, 46, from South Ashford, spoke out when she was subjected to cruel “fat girl” taunts as she trained for her first ever big event.
The A&E clerk said she often faced torrents of abuse when she was out running and passers-by would often point and call her fat.
But now Helen has had the last laugh by accomplishing the amazing feat of finishing the Hastings Half Marathon in 3.04 hours.
Before she started training just eight months ago, she said she had “never run in her life” and struggled to walk around Victoria Park.
But the determined mum said she wanted to get fit and do something different.
She said: “I am such a happy bunny. “I really do feel so proud. “And I just wanted to say a big thank you to all the amazing people who sent support and messages after my fat-girl rant.
“The support was overwhelming and so appreciated.”