Two cousins who lost a total of eight stones are taking part in the Great North Run to raise cash for charity.

Lorraine Young, 34, of Egremont, and Julia McCracken, 33, of Moresby, have been training for the event which is held in September.

After lost three stones, Lorraine is raising cash for Kickscount, a charity which helps mothers-to-be, while Julia, who lost five stones, will be running to collect money for Copeland's Talking Newspaper.

The cousins' grandmother Annie Scott was one of the founder members of the talking newspaper.

Lorraine said: "Julia and I both lost the weight through WeightWatchers and it helped us supporting, and buddying, each other.'' The cousins are now at their target weight.

Training for the Great North Run has also helped with their weight loss after they first started with a couch to 5k challenge.

Their aim is now to finish the 13-mile Great North Run route.

Lorraine added: "We are determined to do it and would both like to thank Tina Spedding, of Fitness for All, for her support.''

If anyone would like to sponsor Lorraine text 70070 GUM150 £donation.  

Lorraine was earlier this year crowned "supermum'' received 43 percent of the Facebook fan vote in the Shoe Zone's Supermum of the Year 2015.

She had previously won the retailer's monthly title in June last year after being nominated her mum, Helen Goldsworthy.

Her eldest daughter Jamie is autistic and Lorraine had to give up her career in the Army to look after her. Subsequently, Lorraine took a position with Chewigem, which makes chewable jewellery for children with autism and sensory needs. She now helps other families by reaching out to them on social media channels. 

“I was delighted to be nominated for the competition by my mum last year, and couldn’t believe I had won the national title! I’m absolutely thrilled,'' said Lorraine. “Life can be tough looking after Jamie, her autism means that she can struggle with the smallest of things and I had no option but to leave work and look after her due to hospital appointments. 

"It’s great that I can now make a difference to people’s lives through my work with Chewigem. Every mum out there deserves the SuperMum title for the things that they do for their children!” 

Lorraine won £150 worth of Shoe Zone vouchers which she has donated to the local Siiboo charity who used them to buy shoes for children in Gambia.