A MUM has lost three stone in preparation for running a half marathon – while wearing a tiger onesie and pink tutu – in memory of her brother who died aged 21 from cystic fibrosis.

Michelle Scarrott, 37, from Malvern, was a “17 plus stone, unfit, working mum” when she signed up for the London Landmark Half Marathon, taking place on Sunday (March 25).

Her brother George Jones died at the age of 21 in 2007 and Mrs Scarrott has already reached her fundraising target of £500 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

She saw an advert for the marathon last summer, and, with it taking place the day before her brother’s birthday, decided to sign up.

She said: “When I signed up I had no chance of even walking a half marathon.

“From the day I got the email I have put my heart and soul into getting ready for this run.”

Since then, she has competed in five 10k events and one 10-mile event, picking up numerous injuries along the way, including shin splints, a calf strain and damage to her knee.

“I’m not fast and I’m always the last one in,” she said, “but I always finish within the cut off time.

“I feel every step – running is really hard for me, it’s hard to keep going. I’m really not built for it.

“But it’s a mental thing more than anything, and I know I’m running in my brother’s memory and have lots of people’s support. So, I’ve got to keep going.”

Mrs Scarrott, who works as a barmaid at The Three Horseshoes has had plenty of support from her partner and son, six, having joined a Slimming World group to help shift the pounds.

She was also full of praise for a running group in Tewkesbury, which have taken her “under their wing.”

Speaking about her brother George, she said: “He was full of life. His way of thinking was just go and grab it and try it once.”

She said her brother was in need of a lung transplant to save his life before being told he was too ill.

“He planned his own funeral by himself, to save the family from heartbreak of having to do it. He was always thinking of others.”

Mrs Scarrott said she chose the pink tutu because it was her brother’s favourite colour, while the tiger onesie is something she’d already had and has worn it throughout her training.

“When I started training, I saw it there in the wardrobe,” she explained.

“I like the idea of spectators seeing this plodding woman appear out of nowhere dressed as a tiger.”

Visit justgiving.com/For-George-Jones to donate.