SUPER slimmer Echo reporter Alex Peace is used to chasing a story.

But now he will be chasing charity cash as he laces up his running shoes and completes the Great North Run.

Alex has shed more than five-and-a-half-stone in a year and now wants to put his new-found love of fitness to good use.

So he is tackling the run- a goal he’s had since beginning his weightloss journey- in aid of Save the Children, which works in 120 countries to provide disaster relief, health projects and protection for youngsters.

Alex said he’s ‘a little bit scared’ about taking on his first-ever half-marathon, but hopes to raise as much money as possible for the charity.

To prepare for the challenge, which takes place on September 13 in Newcastle, Alex has upped his usual quota or runs per week and is sticking to his healthy habits- not always easy in the Echo office, which practically runs on sweet treats.

Alex said: “At the start of May 2014 I weighed 16 and a half stone and now, less than a year later I’m a far trimmer 11 stone (ish.) “For anyone that knows me personally, its been hard to miss and I am quite proud of what I’ve done.

“Thanks to changing my diet and exercising more, I spent six months or so shedding the weight and am now back to enjoying my food again, but not being daft, and exercising regularly to make sure the weight stays off.

“Part of keeping the weight off is that I do quite a lot of running and had always dreamed of doing the Great North Run.

“But that was all it was, a dream- I was far too unfit to even begin considering it.

“Anyway, now I am taking it on.

“As someone who attended university in Newcastle and has always loved the city, this is massive for me and I honestly can’t wait to go- but I am very daunted.

“There are various reasons I’m running for Save the Children, but mainly they just do amazing work around the world to make sure children are kept safe and have brighter future.”

To sponsor Alex, visit justgiving.com/Alex-Peace