FOUR ladies from the Launceston area completed the Bristol Half Marathon on Sunday, September 17, to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Launceston’s Alison Clines and Emma Berryman, Helen Degg from Egloskerry and Carla Barnard from Yeolmbridge have all suffered the consequences of which cancer can bring, with Alison suffering from stage four breast cancer, Helen’s mum being a breast cancer survivor and Carla’s daughter, Kaitlin not out of remission yet from her own ordeal.

Last November, Alison, determined to raise awareness of the disease, decided to sign up to a run and roped in some of her best friends to take part in the Bristol Half Marathon.

Although Emma and Helen had no hesitation in saying yes, Carla was signed up despite her protests.

However, all four ladies finished the race, leaving Carla delighted that she doesn’t have to do it ever again.

Carla said: “It was fantastic to be able to complete the race although I’m just thankful to be alive as I though it was hideous. Saying that, we couldn’t have asked for more as it was packed with people and the atmosphere was brilliant.

“We all started together and although we knew that we’d all eventually peel off to our own particular speeds, it was great to be able to do it with our buddies.

“What kept me going throughout was the support we received from the crowds, our fellow competitors, the fact that all of us have been affected by cancer, the reasons why they’re running which are on their backs and some of the outfits, which were just brilliant.

“Once I got to nine and a half miles it was a real struggle for me to retain a good heart rate. But I managed to finish it and I’m so glad I did, although I hated it and hopefully won’t have to do it again. The others are already talking about doing another one, but one’s enough for me.”

“We’d like to thank everyone who’s supported us from donations, to people who’ve given us advice and to our friends and families who’ve had to put up with us in the build-up to it.”

So far they have raised £1,545, which is over three times their initial target of £500, while they still have more donations to come in.