A north-east woman is preparing to take on a running challenge in aid of a cancer charity.
Hannah Adams, 31, has been inspired by two people – the teenager Stephen Sutton, who raised millions to support others before his death from the disease last year, and her aunt, who suffered from cancer as a child.
The office manager from Ellon is now training for the Garioch 10k on March 22.
At present that means pounding the miles indoors on a treadmill to escape the wintry conditions but she is confident of reaching the finishing line on the big day.
She aims to raise £2,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust, the charity which supported Stephen Sutton during his battle with the disease.
The trust’s goal is to improve the quality of life and chances of survival of young people with cancer.
It builds units in existing NHS hospitals where youngsters can receive specialist treatment and educates people about cancer to help with early diagnoses.
Following his diagnosis, Stephen Sutton took part in a string of fundraising events and eventually brought in £4.6million for the trust.
Mrs Adams said he was an inspiration.
“It was amazing what he did,” she said.
“He died last May but he raised millions.”
She believes her aunt, who suffered from cancer as a child, would have benefited from the Teenage Cancer Trust if it had been around at the time.
She said: “My aunt had cancer at seven and she got bullied a lot at secondary school.
“If more people have the chance to go to the units the trust provides the world would be a better place.”
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Garioch 10k and to celebrate the landmark the winner will receive £400 if they set a record time.
Mrs Adams said this had encouraged her to take part and she was determined to do her best.
She said the fundraising had been a challenge, but she was confident about the race itself.
“I don’t like to be in people’s face looking for money, but you need to ask,” she added.
“I’ve always had a good diet and I’m training on the treadmill at the moment.
“It’s hard, due to the weather but I’m currently up to 6k on the treadmill and should be there by March.”
Before the Garioch event, she will take part in another fundraising effort on March 4 when she will run half the distance across Aberdeen beach, taking pictures as she goes.
These will be put into calendars and given away to people who sponsor her.
The beach was a favourite place of one of Hannah’s childhood friends, Joanna Finchley, who died last December.
Money raised will go to the Clifford-Robertshaw Trust Fund, a brain tumour charity which provided her with support before she died.
To donate to the Teenage Cancer Trust effort go to
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=Hannah_Adams
.
To get a calendar donate at:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/displaySomeoneSpecialPage.action?pageUrl=RunningforJo
.