Mum-of-two twice battles back from cancer and sets her sights on marathon challenge (From York Press)

Aileen Secker twice battles back from cancer and sets her sights on York marathon challenge

7:51am Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News By Kate Liptrot, kate.liptrot@thepress.co.uk

A MUM-OF-TWO who took up running after twice battling cancer is now in training for the York marathon.

Aileen Secker, 47, of Newton-on-Derwent, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996. The illness returned in 2010, after which Mrs Secker underwent a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery and further treatment.

Now in remission, Mrs Secker said she signed up with York personal trainer Babs Shiells after becoming determined to get fit and healthy.

Despite having never run seriously before, Mrs Secker said she took to the training relatively comfortably and said she will gradually build up her distance throughout the year.

Personal trainer Ms Shiells is working with Mrs Secker, presenter Harry Gration and a group of novice marathon runners – whose preparations will be filmed for a BBC programme – ahead of October’s race.

Mrs Secker said: “I have been seeing Babs for a year and she suggested taking part. I wasn’t sure at first, but I came to realise it was a good challenge. I’m quite feisty so I do like a challenge.

“When I was diagnosed with cancer the second time around I had children. It’s a very difficult thing – you have to keep going for them. “My husband, Steve, has been a massive support, as have the children.

“Having gone through all those things, I think when I set my mind to do something I’m determined to see it through to the end.

“It will be a great sense of achievement. When you have had some kind of major illness like cancer and been through a lot of things it makes you want to prove you are still okay and I have got a lot to live for.

“It will be very emotional to feel I have done something proactive and positive.”

Mrs Secker, who has two children aged 17 and 12, said she is running on behalf of Sue Ryder Care.

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