Michelle Stammers

Michelle Stammers, a Co-operative Personal Travel Advisor based in Sutton Coldfield, revealed how her life changed for the better a year ago

"Last February I saw an advert in the local newspaper for a walking/running group that would change my life. I joined the group, power-walking once a week, then twice a week, then I joined the begginers running group. It's now December 2011 and I am a licensed run leader, inspiring and teaching beginners to run and walk for pleasure. I have competed in many local races for fun and for charity. I am 44 and it's the best I have ever felt."

Michelle's reaction: "When I got the call to say I'd won, I was beside myself with excitement. I'm going to send my clients a copy of my diary when I'm back, and hopefully I'll be able to persuade them to try something similar! I exercise six days a week but it will still be a challenge. If someone had said a year ago that next year, I'd be running 10 miles without stopping, I never would have believed it. Climbing to Everest Base Camp will be the icing on the cake. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm going to grab it with both hands."