DUDLEY’S chief flab-buster is on the last legs of a gruelling set of challenges to practice what she preaches.

Ruth Hill, who works for Dudley Council as the borough’s obesity prevention co-ordinator for the Healthy Schools campaign, has spent the last few years encouraging people across Dudley to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

The mum-of-three from Pedmore, who dabbled with "a bit of walking and running every now and again", decided to take on a string of races to get fit and fundraise for a cause close to her heart.

Nine months on she has completed five testing challenges and raised more than £3,000 for Mary Stevens Hospice, and she now has just one event left to go.

She said: “I really wanted to focus and practice what I preach and get as fit as possible.

"I chose Mary Stevens Hospice as not only did they care for my dad and a colleague in their last stages of life, I felt it was very important to support local charities - and Mary Stevens were top class.”

Ruth, who turns 45 on September 23, has completed the Wolf Run - a 10k obstacle course, the 10k Wyre Forest Run, the 5K Colour Run in Birmingham and a 244-mile cycle ride from London to Paris over three days.

And she’s now gearing up for her final challenge - the Birmingham Half Marathon on Sunday October 19.

Ruth, who joined Stourbridge's British Military Fitness group to help kickstart her training, said: “My husband and girls are behind me and have been completely supportive but do think I am bonkers.

"It's had a huge impact on family time but it's really inspired my kids. It's been difficult at times but it's about believing in yourself and that you can do it. The support I've had has been unbelievable."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Ruth can visit her JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/Ruth-Hill23/