Emma’s Belfast-Berlin fundraiser for children with cancer

Last year, Emma Bodles took on the challenge of a lifetime when she not only ran the Berlin marathon, but also set herself the challenge of running the equivalent of Belfast to Berlin as part of her training. She raised an incredible £1000 for children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent. Emma set out to run 804 miles, the distance from Belfast to Berlin, as part of her training and took part in various local events including the Larne Half Marathon and Lisburn Half Marathon. By the time she finished the Groomsport Half Marathon, she had already exceeded her target so set a new goal of running 1000 miles. When Emma completed the 26 miles of the Berlin Marathon, last September, she had actually ran an incredible 1126.50 miles. Emma raised a fantastic £1000 for CLIC Sargent Homes from Home Appeal through her challenge. She said: “I’m not a natural runner, but neither is it natural for young people and teenagers to be fighting cancer when they should be worried about iPhones and who fancies who. “It’s an age gap that often slips through the cracks and I feel strongly about. “CLIC Sargent really do help these young people and their families and I’m delighted to have been able to support the Homes from Home Appeal with my fundraising. “I’d encourage anyone thinking of entering to go for it and fundraise for the Homes from Home Appeal.” CLIC Sargent fundraising manager, Christine McClune, said: “If you’re a runner, a relay racer or a walker, why not do it and ‘Run for Home’ for CLIC Sargent?” On average, families in Northern Ireland have to travel up to 500 miles a week to access the cancer treatment their child needs. CLIC Sargent aims to ease that burden by providing free, self-catering accommodation close to the two main Belfast hospitals, for families to avail of when their child is undergoing treatment for cancer. For more information or to register for a fundraising pack, call 0845 602 4770 or email run@clicsargent.org.uk. or register at www.belfastcitymarathon.com CLIC Sargent Fundraising Manager, Christine McClune, said “What Emma did was inspirational and we are delighted to have her support in the 2014 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon. It is fantastic to be the official nominated charity for the event and we are encouraging as many people as possible to get involved, So, if you’re a runner, a relay racer or a walker and are interested in getting involved in the 2014 marathon, why not do it and ‘Run for Home’ for CLIC Sargent? We have received tremendous support from the NI public and are delighted to have recently opened the first Home from Home. However, we now urgently need the funds to complete a second home for teenagers and young adults with cancer.” For more information or to register for a fundraising pack, call the running hotline on 0845 602 4770 or email run@clicsargent.org.uk. You can also register online at www.belfastcitymarathon.com