A former primary school teacher from Troon who transformed her health through running has spoken about her experience - and about the charity she'll be backing in one of Scotland's biggest running events this month.

Elisabeth Wallwork, 59, lost six stone after deciding to turn her life around in January 2021 - first by going to sessions at the gym and then with the NHS Couch to 5K running challenge, alongside a weight loss regime.

Elisabeth says she became healthier and happier and is now challenging herself to jog longer distances with the Troon-based running club, the Monkton Milers.

Elisabeth, who was a primary school teacher in Inverclyde for 12 years, is now set to run the EMF Edinburgh Half Marathon on May 28.

She said: “I joined the Couch to 5K and started running short distances, and then a 10K and then more.

"I then thought that I can challenge myself to a half marathon and decided I wanted to do it for a good cause.”

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She said she had heard of international Christian charity Mercy Ships through her church, and was reminded of its work through her Instagram feed.

The charity operates hospital ships and other healthcare services for those who have very little access to safe medical care in sub-Saharan Africa, where nine out of 10 people do not have access to safe surgery.

Elisabeth continued: “I just think that it’s life changing for people, as so many are not able to access medical care or just have simple operations that can make a huge difference to their lives.

“I feel so much healthier, fitter and mentally better, and I appreciate my good health and realise others are not so lucky.

"We are very fortunate in this country with our access to health services when we need them and I want to help those who do not have the same.”

To help Elisabeth hit her £500 target visit her fundraising page: justgiving.com/page/elisabeth-wallwork-mercyships