10-race tribute honours mum
A WOMAN, originally from Porthcawl, has embarked on an ambitious challenge of running 10 races in one year in memory of her mum – and the Cardiff Half Marathon will be her final leg.
A WELSH woman has embarked on an ambitious challenge of running 10 races in one year in memory of her mum – and the Cardiff Half Marathon will be her final leg.
Sarah-Jane Burns, originally from Porthcawl, lost her mum, Joan Watkins, to bowel cancer in 2008 and decided to mark the 10year anniversary by doing something positive.
The 41-year-old, who now lives in Dollar, Scotland, set herself a goal of running 10 races – including the Stirling Race for Life, Alloa Half Marathon and Race for Life Edinburgh.
Now past the halfway point, the final event for Sarah-Jane will be the Cardiff Half Marathon in October.
Sarah-Jane, a primary school teacher, said: “A couple of years ago, the only thing I could run was a bath.
“I started running for the social aspect, I would meet up with running groups and go for a run and then I decided I wanted to run the Race for Life because I’ve always walked it. I wanted to lose a bit of weight as well, and with the 10-year anniversary, I wanted to do something positive and raise some money for the scientists trying to find a cure for cancer.
“I’ve raised more than £2,500 since I started running and just under £500 since I started this challenge.”
Sarah-Jane, who met her husband Gregor at a Wales v Scotland rugby match five years ago in a Cardiff pub, said her family have supported her all the way.
“With the hot weather and not having much time in between the races, it has been a challenge but my husband has been motivating me when I don’t want to do it,” she said.
“It can be quite emotional but my husband has been incredible at making sure I’m okay.
“I’ll be going back to Wales for the final race – knowing I’m doing it for mum will keep me going.”