When Maureen Ejimofor tipped the scales at 18 stone, she knew something had to change.

She was struggling with her weight, and knew she needed help.

That was back in 2014, and now not only has she lost half her body weight but she has changed her life and she is now inspiring others to get fit too.

The big change for Maureen came when she signed up for Dartford council’s Why Weight scheme and she embarked on seven months of exercising and healthy eating.

She now weighs just nine stone and the 34-year-old, from Swanscombe, organises walks around Swanscombe to encourage others get fit and healthy, and help keep her trim.

“I feel like a different person,” she said. “I feel so fulfilled and happy. I love walking and I look forward to my walks each week – and so do my group.

“We explore new routes and walks and the group feels like a family.”

Those who join her walks call her Motivational Maureen. She added: “I’m quite an active person.

“i’m running the London Marathon in April to raise money for Choices men’s refuge which helps men who have experienced domestic violence.

“I also cycle around Swanscombe, Dartford and Gravesend, especially around Shorne Country Park. I know the areas really well.”

She added the group was always looking for ways to encourage people to join and had taken to social media to find new members.

Maureen said: “We share all of our walks on Facebook live to share them with others and to try to encourage others to take part.”

Dartford Health Walks are part of an accredited Walking for Health scheme, which is managed by the Ramblers organisation and Macmillan Cancer Support.

It is a national programme of free, short, accessible and sociable walks which aim to help people get the most out of walking for their physical and mental health.

The walks, which last between 30-90 minutes, are led by trained volunteers and are great for people who are getting little exercise, or for people recovering or suffering from an illness.

People of any age and ability are welcome.

Walks in and around Dartford include:

• The Healthy Living Centre Walk, Mondays at 10am. Walks around various places in Dartford.
• Darenth Country Park Walk, Tuesdays, 10.30am. Starting and finishing in the Darent Valley Hospital reception area.
• Greenhithe Walk, Wednesdays, 11.30am. Starting and finishing at The Place Community Cafe at St Mary’s Greenhithe, London Road.
• Central Park Walk, Thursdays, 11.30am. Starting and finishing at the War Memorial outside Central Park, Dartford.
• Swanscombe Walk, Fridays, 10am. Starting and finishing outside the Old Fire Station, Church Street, Swanscombe.
• Temple Hill/The Bridge Walk, Fridays, 10.45am for an 11am start. Starting and finishing at the Healthy Living Centre, St Edmunds Road, Dartford.
• Swanscombe Walk, Sundays, 9am. Starting and finishing outside the Old Fire Station, Church Street, Swanscombe.

In Gravesend, The Gr@nd Healthy Living Centre leads a weekly walk every Wednesday.

Meet in the foyer of Gravesham Civic Centre, Community Square, Gravesend, at 1pm.

The route is roughly one mile and will return to the Civic Centre by 3pm.