Emma Sawyer, from Dacre in North Yorkshire, is currently training hard for next month's Peak District Ultra Challenge, where she will be running 30 miles to help raise money for the Breast Cancer Now charity. Emma, who has recently recovered from breast cancer herself, will be undertaking her first ever ultra marathon in the company of friends and colleagues from Ripon Runners, and her charity fundraising efforts are now in full swing.
Emma was inspired to enter the Peak District event having been part of a team of five that completed the Equinox 24 hour race at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire last September - her first big fitness challenge after completing her cancer treatment. "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," Emma explains. "It seemed like a challenge I should try, and an opportunity to raise some money for Breast Cancer Now."
Emma's own cancer journey last year involved multiple rounds of chemotherapy followed by surgery and radiotherapy, but she was really impressed with the quality and speed of the treatment. "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 adds.
Emma chose to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Now charity since it offers support throughout the treatment process and beyond. "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," she says.
Exercise has been a key part of the recovery process for Emma, who runs with a group of friends in Nidderdale every Saturday morning, as well as joining her Ripon Runners colleagues during the week. She is currently running four times a week in preparation for the Ultra, and running with others is really helping. "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," Emma jokes.
When starting her training for the upcoming Ultra, Emma was initially nervous. "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!" To support Emma's fundraising for Breast Cancer Now, please visit her Just Giving page.
Founded in 1985, Ripon Runners is a welcoming, all-abilities club based at Ripon Rugby Club. Meeting on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, the community-focused club hosts regular social events and puts on popular local races - including the Jolly Holly Jog - to keep membership fees low. Find out more at www.riponrunners.org.uk.
