Aileen is running for every cancer sufferer

Keen runner and triathlete Aileen Collins is not letting cancer stop her taking part in the London Marathon next month.

In fact, she is using it as a spur to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support for the help they have given her in the past few months.

The 36-year-old, who lives in Kibworth, was diagnosed last September when a routine operation to remove her thyroid revealed she had cancer.

She said: "It came as a shock. It is a treatable cancer but it still knocks you for six.

10% OFF!

ALA IB Ltd

View details

Print voucher

Get 10% off your GAP insurance with ALA.co.uk using the promotional code LW10

Contact: 01653 916304

Valid until: Wednesday, June 18 2014

Redeem voucher

Redeem voucher

"The treatment itself is okay but you have to be in isolation, which isn't nice. You then have to wait and have a full body scan done. So it kind of gets in the way of your life for a good few months." Miss Collins, a specialist nurse working with young people in the community for the Leicestershire Partnership Trust, said: "I've had brilliant support from all my friends, colleagues, loved ones and family.

"I'm running it for them and everyone who has been affected by cancer."

Miss Collins was a keen runner and triathlete before the diagnosis.

"So to get back to 'normal' I chose to run the London Marathon for Macmillan Cancer Support," she said.

"This will help with my recovery and give me a focus, plus raise money and awareness for a terrific cause.

"This will be my sixth marathon, although I was planning on stopping at five.

"But it does not make it any easier – in fact, it's slightly harder as I know what's coming."

Miss Collins said she hoped to raise £2,000, and her JustGiving online page is nearing that target.

Jo-Anne Wilson, fund-raising manager for Macmillan in Leicestershire and Rutland, said: "It is fantastic that Aileen has been successful in gaining a place in the London Marathon and is choosing to support Macmillan.

"It is thanks to brave people like Aileen that we are able to continue our work supporting people affected by cancer.

"The money Aileen raises will help us in our goal to make sure no-one goes through cancer alone."

To sponsor Aileen, visit her fund-raising page at:

www.justgiving.com/Aileen-Collins1