A Ripon runner who recently recovered from breast cancer is preparing to take on her first ultra marathon while raising money for charity.
Emma Sawyer, from Dacre, is training for next month’s Peak District Ultra Challenge, where she will run 30 miles in support of Breast Cancer Now.
Emma will tackle the event alongside friends and colleagues from Ripon Runners, with fundraising efforts for the charity now well underway.
The challenge comes less than a year after Emma completed treatment for breast cancer, which included multiple rounds of chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy.
She was inspired to enter the Peak District Ultra after taking part in the Equinox 24-hour race at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire last September – her first major fitness challenge following her treatment.
Emma said:
"My friend Kedren was part of that Equinox team, so when she told us that she had entered the Peak District Ultra, the rest of us decided to support her and enter too.
"It seemed like a challenge I should try, and an opportunity to raise some money for Breast Cancer Now."
Reflecting on her treatment, Emma praised the care she received from local healthcare teams.
Emma said:
"Everyone at Harrogate Hospital and the Sir Robert Ogden Centre were amazing.
"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."
Emma chose to support Breast Cancer Now because of the help it provides to people throughout and beyond their treatment.
Emma 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."
Running has played an important role in Emma’s recovery. She regularly trains with a group of friends in Nidderdale on Saturday mornings and also runs with fellow members of Ripon Runners during the week.
In preparation for the Ultra Challenge, she is currently running four times a week.
Emma 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 dedication to training, Emma admits she had doubts when she first signed up for the event.
Emma 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! 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!"
Anyone wishing to support Emma’s fundraising efforts for Breast Cancer Now can do so via her JustGiving page here.
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