A resolute Suffolk campaigner who has beaten cancer twice is calling on the running community to join her fight against the devastating disease.
Nichola Whymark, from Martlesham, has launched a new project called Run for Research, bringing together people who want to take on a fitness challenge for Cancer Research UK.
Runners of all abilities and walks of life are invited to take part.
The 41-year-old said: “Essentially it’s about uniting runners who want to do their bit for Cancer Research UK.
“There’s no minimum distance or sponsorship or entry fee, it’s just what people can do and join the project.
“At the minute all the people are from the Ipswich, Kesgrave and Martlesham area, but I know from the website that people have started to register from afar, so it’s great. It’s very exciting.”
Mrs Whymark, who works for Cancer Research UK but has started this project independently, was diagnosed with cancer in both her breasts in 2013 and underwent extensive treatment, including a double mastectomy.
Then in March last year, Mrs Whymark had a reoccurrence and had to go through another, partial mastectomy. She has since been given the all-clear.
Mrs Whymark has always used running as a way of coping with the physical and psychological trauma of cancer, raising thousands of pounds for charity in the process.
In the lead up to her 40th birthday in February 2017, Mrs Whymark completed 40 different challenges, collecting £6,000 in sponsorship to be split between Cancer Research UK and The Woolverstone Macmillan Centre at Ipswich Hospital.
She said: “Running gave me focus to get better through my treatment and get fit and active and healthy again after I went through my operations and chemotherapy and it played a massive part in my 40 challenges.”
Run for Research has so far raised £13,000 by the 15 people who have signed up, including David Bartholomew who completed the 100-mile Chester Ultra.
Mrs Whymark said some people had taken on their first marathon for Run for Research.
She added: “I want this to keep growing and growing – I think it has massive potential.
“It’s not all about me, I’m just the one who came up with the concept, it wouldn’t be what it is already without all those people believing in it and wanting to do their bit for Cancer Research UK.”
To get involved, call Mrs Whymark on 07789 776214 or visit the website.
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