A YEAR ago Sarah I'Anson “sat in a heap outside hospital, stunned and crying” after being diagnosed with cancer.

As she wondered how she would tell her family, she said "these two amazing souls appeared, scooped me up, gave me a quiet room and a cup of tea and said ‘you just take your time, we are here if you need us’."

She said: "To this day the gratitude I feel for that act of kindness and understanding is immeasurable.

“This was my first introduction to the Cancer Care Centre, and myself and friends have, and are continuing to benefit from this and other services of York Against Cancer.”

Twelve months later the 47-year-old is now preparing to join thousands of people in the 2018 Asda Foundation York 10K on August 5 to raise funds for York Against Cancer.

The Cancer Care Centre help by providing practical support - such as a free minibus to radiotherapy appointments in Leeds - and wig clinics, along with other, smaller touches which Sarah said were equally important.

She said: “The sort of support that just makes you feel a little bit better, such as make up workshops, reflexology, a craft group and holiday homes for respite. Most of all, the doors are always open for a cup of tea and chat.

“As I took up running to help me get back to feeling a bit more like me after being poorly, taking part in a run to raise funds for a cancer charity that has given me so much was an obvious choice.”

Sarah, who works as a commissioning manager for a local authority, said she was determined to complete the 10K, but was not worried about a specific time.

“My aim is to actually run round rather than just turn up and potter about, and whilst I’m more than happy to be the fat lass at the back, I really don’t want to let the side down by not getting to the finish line.”

To donate to Sarah’s fundraising go to justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-i-anson