Marathon mission for cancer patient

A WOMAN who underwent treatment for breast cancer is hoping to help and inspire others battling the disease by taking part in the London Marathon.

Gladys Johnson, of Red House Close in Oulton, was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2006 and after undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a mastectomy, her treatment ended in February 2007. Just ten weeks later she donned her running shoes to take part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life and her fundraising efforts have not stopped there.

'I did the run with friends. I entered to give myself a target and did it again last year,' she said.

Now Ms Johnson, 59, is planning to go even further on April 26 when she takes part in this year's famous race for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

'I know I'm one of the lucky ones thanks to all the research into breast cancer that has already been carried out. However there is so much more to do. Too many women are still being lost to breast cancer,' she said.

'I want to give something back towards the cost of research and show women who are currently going through what I went through that it can be beaten.'

She admits that she won't she be running all of the way, but Ms Johnson, who works for Astec in Gorleston, has started her training for the big day, and has already tackled a 12 mile distance by running and power walking.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, with nearly 46,000 new cases diagnosed every year. The money raised by the charity's runners will help to scientists to continue to work in a co-ordinated effort to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat breast cancer.

In total Ms Johnson is hoping to raise over �2,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, through sponsorship and a charity sale. To donate visit www.justgiving.co.uk/madglad