Gillian races ahead for Cancer Focus NI

Gillian Logan is aiming to raise a total of £1,500 through her efforts to help local cancer patients and their families.

The energetic IT expert took up running six years ago, continuing to increase the distances and the number of races she took part in.

She has now decided to use her running ability to raise funds for charity.

The local woman has already already completed three half marathons in Ards, Lisburn, and the East Antrim Marathon Series Knockathon in Greenisland.

Her next race will be in Dervock on July 23, and she is also taking part in runs in Cookstown, Kells and Connor, Dublin, Groomsport and Kilkeel.

Gillian’s grand finale will take place at the Great North Run in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne on September 11, the 100th day of her challenge.

“I have five weeks of one race a week, and there is one weekend when I have two back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday, which will be hard work and I’ll really have to gear up for that,” she laughed.

“It has always been my ambition to run the Great North Run for charity and I’m particularly delighted to be doing it to raise funds for Cancer Focus NI. It will be a brilliant way to end my challenge.

“Cancer is such a common disease with one in three people developing it in their lifetime. I feel it’s so important to help those who are going through such a difficult time in their lives, to educate people about how to lower their risk of cancer and also to fund new research, all of which Cancer Focus NI does.

“My grandmother was a breast cancer survivor, so I’m very conscious of the importance of finding better ways of diagnosing the disease and developing new treatments. I’m really enjoying my challenge – it’s a fantastic feeling to be able to use your hobby to help other people.”

Gillian is covering all her costs so that every penny donated goes to Cancer Focus NI. She would like to thank everyone for their donations so far.

To donate to Gillian’s challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/Gillian-Logan3.