This is a story of mind over matter and adversity being conquered by sheer will power.
When we came to France it was not long before we met the Sweetings. I think they must have come at approximately the same time as us, 12 years ago. We knew Karen was a keen runner and was often out running in her trainers.Then we heard Karen had a health problem, she had breast cancer, a hard thing to appreciate in one so young. ( probably a good ten years younger than Malc and myself)
Fortunately Karen had treatment and soon recovered and got the all clear and she was back pounding the roads and byways .
She has now run many marathons doing extremely good races with great timings, and she often seeks sponsorship on these runs.
Another friend here also in her prime Sylvia Lyne was affected by alzheimer's disease not long after settling here. Sadly the disease progressed quickly and she died. Karen, as we all were, felt deeply affected by this death and Karen made a run in Sylvia's honour raising a massive 3,000 euros which was donated to Alzheimer 82 at Montauban. So beginning Karen's association with the group and why she made the suggestion to add it to our list of charities.
In the New Year TAG will add this charity to our list to support.
Association France Alzheimer82, 275 rue du Clos Maury Montauban alzheimer82assoc@neuf.fr
Well done again Karen
Karen adds
I was diagnosed with BC in England aged 42, I'd just taken up running and had a place in the London Marathon 2003, and that was one of the reasons we moved here in order to fulfill a dream and realising life is just too short to not get on with things when you have been told you have a life threatening disease.We moved here 9 years ago, we were both in our early 40's.
I continued to have treatment here as the BC continued to rise it's ugly head. I was given the "all clear" two years ago, but have been told not to be complacent, as if I would.
I love running and will continue to do so, as long as health allows it, and I am a true believer of keeping fit as it keeps you healthy.
I'm going to be back in training for the Barcelona Marathon (March) having done Paris this year & Rome last year, and should anyone wish to sponsor me for the Alzheimer Charity, please feel free to do so. I'm not actively chasing money, as I've got a place in the Marathon and not through a Charity, but I'm always happy to take money from folks that are willing to give it, for a good cause.
Thanks again, keep up the good work.
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