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Woman loses eight stone for Cuban charity bike ride

5:15pm Tuesday 14th October 2008

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WEIGHING in at 20st, Lindsey Cooper had problems getting on a bike, never mind riding one.

However, the 45-year-old set out on a mission to shed the pounds, and now, 13 months on and 8st 7lb lighter, Lindsey is taking part in a gruelling 250-mile charity bike ride across Cuba, above.

The mum-of-three, who has halved her dress size from 24 to 12, said: “I was so concerned with my own health.

“I knew that I needed to lose a lot of weight, but I’d tried slimming clubs before and they hadn’t worked.

“I used to lie in bed and hope a ‘fat fairy’ would wave her magic wand and make me slim.”

In September last year, nail technician Lindsey started a low carbohydrate, high protein diet – and started to change her life forever.

“I stuck to the diet and to my delight by March I had lost about 6st,” she said.

“Losing the weight really gave me focus and drive to carry on and realise what was really possible.

“I heard about the ride and it sounded like the perfect thing to plough my energy into.”

Lindsey started training, going to two swimming classes a week at her local recreation centre.

Now she does nine sessions a week and recently took part in a 100km cycle ride around the New Forest.

Through a series of fundraising events, Lindsey has raised more than £3,000 for Women for Women, which helps female survivors of war.

She will now join 70 other women, including This Morning presenter Fern Britton, for the five-day ride, setting off across Cuba on November 13.

“I’ve always dreamed of doing something like this but never thought it would actually be possible,” said Lindsey, of Stopples Lane, Hordle.

“Now I can’t wait to start packing my bags. I’ve never done anything like it before and I just can’t wait to get going.”


Your Say YourDaily Echo

Condor Man, Southampton says...
6:32pm Tue 14 Oct 08

why Cuba? why endorse a regime that prevents it's citizens viewing the internet and restricts movement. There are more ethical places where this could have taken place.

Loulou1111, Tean, Stoke on Trent says...
7:35pm Tue 14 Oct 08

Condor man - there's always one!
This woman has lost 8.5 stones and should be commended - fantastic!!!

Go Lindsay and enjoy yourself - you deserve it!


downfader, southampton says...
8:11pm Tue 14 Oct 08

Yep, well done! Long distance or short distance cycling and exercise such as this is great for you and will boost your confidence.

Good luck in the event!

NeutralOpinion, says...
11:23pm Tue 14 Oct 08

This is the type of story that should take front page news. 1/ Its good news. 2/ It shows that there are people who are prepared to do something positive for the community they are in. 3/ It gives incentives to others to do the same.
WELL DONE, AND GOOD LUCK IN THIS VENTURE!!!!

itsmehere, hythe says...
8:23am Wed 15 Oct 08

Well done Linsey. It just proves that it can be done with sensible eating. You are a true inspiration.
I wish you lots of luck in your future ventures.

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