By XAVIER SMERDON
A HOPPERS Crossing couple that have turned their life around by losing a combined 85 kilograms will be using their new found love of exercise to raise money for charity.
Debra and Joe Dosen started losing weight 18 months after one of their daughters expressed her fears about their lifestyle.
“My youngest daughter said she wanted me to see her get married,” Joe said.
“Since then I’ve discovered a love of life and fitness. One year ago I couldn’t do one push up, now I do 50 a day.”
Joe has lost 55 kilograms himself while Debra has lost 30.
Next month the couple will take part in Stadium Stomp at the MCG, an event that will see them attempt to climb every stair in the stadium.
Joe will be taking on the full challenge of climbing all 7500 steps while Debra will be tackling 1900.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a fitness nut, I just enjoy being able to do these sorts of things now,” Joe said.
“The funny thing is that I’m not even scared of it any more. Once upon a time I would have been terrified.
“I’m excited because I like anything you can do at the MCG because I’m a footy fan and it’s the Holy Grail.”
The Stadium Stomp allows entrants to pick a charity of their choice to raise money for and Debra has chosen Ability First, a national body of leading disability organisations working to achieve a fair go for Australians living with a disability.
For more information on the event and to sponsor a participant, visit www.stadiumstomp.com.au
