A North Yorkshire runner is taking on her first ultra marathon to raise money for a breast cancer charity.
Emma Sawyer, from Dacre and a member of Ripon Runners, will tackle the 30-mile Peak District Ultra Challenge next month in support of Breast Cancer Now.
She completed her cancer treatment last year, which included chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy.
Ms Sawyer said: "I’d really like to thank the staff there, and all the family and friends that looked after me, took me to appointments, cooked for me, and generally got me out of the house."
She was inspired to enter the Peak District Ultra after taking part in the Equinox 24-hour race at Belvoir Castle last September with a team of five.
This was her first major fitness challenge after finishing cancer treatment.
Her friend Kedren, who was also part of the Equinox team, signed up for the ultra and encouraged the rest of the team to join her.
Ms Sawyer said: "It seemed like a challenge I should try, and an opportunity to raise some money for Breast Cancer Now."
She chose to support Breast Cancer Now because of the support it gives to people throughout treatment and beyond.
She said: "No-one really talks about what happens after the treatment and the fact that there are ongoing side effects from the drugs you have to take.
"The charity also promotes national screening campaigns and is raising awareness so that more people know what signs to look for – and how to get checked."
Exercise has been central to Ms Sawyer’s recovery.
She runs with friends in Nidderdale every Saturday morning and trains with Ripon Runners during the week.
She is running four times a week to prepare for the ultra.
She said: "Some nights I feel I’m running through treacle, but the groups I run with are so supportive.
"Plus, my husband Jaysson is very dedicated to running too, and without his encouragement it would be very easy to just sit on the couch."
Despite her positive outlook, Ms Sawyer admits she was nervous at the start of her training.
She said: "Actually, I was really dreading it at first, because I don’t like running off road – and I really don’t like hills – so I was seriously considering my life choices.
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"But as the training has progressed, I’ve practised my fuelling, discovered peanuts, so I’m now feeling a little bit more confident.
"After the race, I’m really looking forward to a nice glass of prosecco, putting my feet up for a while… then maybe getting back to some road running."
To support Ms Sawyer’s fundraising efforts, visit her Just Giving page.
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