TWO women who between them have lost more than 50lbs are limbering up to take part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life next week.

Neither Emma Wedge nor Jane Watts would have dreamed of taking part in the 5km run before completing Do Something Different (DSD), a healthier lifestyle programme.

Both women joined DSD to lose weight and feel fitter. By making small changes to their habits and being aware of the way in which their own behaviour was holding them back, the women were able to break the cycle of weight gain.

Now Emma and Jane feel ready to take on the challenge of the Race for Life at Houghton Hall and raise money for Cancer Research.

Jane, from Walpole St Andrew, who has lost 25lb since March, said: 'I was fed up feeling fat and not being able to fit into clothes. The programme made me realise that I had developed a habit of snacking on junk food.

'The weekly sessions taught me ways to alter my behaviour and gradually I found I was able to lose the weight, and continue to do so.

'I never thought I would take part in race like this – I'm really proud of what I've achieved.'

Emma, from Gaywood, has lost 26lb. She said: 'I would never have considered taking part in a fun run before, but my confidence has increased so much that now I feel ready for this challenge.

'I found the DSD programme easy to follow and realised that making simple changes, like drinking more water in my case and shaking up my routine to become more active, can make a huge difference. I feel much more energetic.'

Emma and Jane will join a 60-strong DSD team at the Race for Life at Houghton Hall on Tuesday July 19.

Ronel Erasmus, DSD project manager, said: 'Emma and Jane show just what can be achieved by making small changes to your habits. I am really proud of them.

'Anyone who would like to find out more about DSD is welcome to come along and chat to us at Houghton Hall. We'll have a gazebo and we'll be easy to spot as all 60 of us will be wearing pink DSD T-shirts, kindly sponsored by DoubleG Clothing.'

Bus company Norfolk Green is supplying the transport for the DSD team.