Chelmsford cancer survivor to run London Marathon

Apryl Hammett is preparing for her eighth London Marathon - her 405th in total

A runner is set to take part in her 405th marathon this weekend, just two months after finishing radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer.

Apryl Hammett, 52, from Chelmsford, is to run the London Marathon on Sunday.

A member of the 100 Marathon Club, she was diagnosed with the disease last September, a year after her husband Guy discovered he had throat cancer.

"It was a shock. I was anxious and afraid but I am happy to be back doing what I love," she said.

Mrs Hammett began running to lose weight following the birth of her second child, completing her first marathon in 2002.

Mrs Hammett is a librarian at New Hall School in Chelmsford

Before her cancer diagnosis last year, she also completed her 100th ultramarathon.

"It's a time of peace. I can just put one foot in front of the other and run; sometimes alone, sometimes talking to others," she said.

"It allows me to put the week to bed and enjoy the outdoors."

She will be running for Breast Cancer Now, which helped her.

Olivia, a member of her tutor group, said Mrs Hammett was an inspiration

Percy said: "I don't think I could even do one marathon"

A librarian at New Hall School in Chelmsford, she has been discussing her story with her tutor group.

Olivia said: "It is really inspiring. At the moment, a lot of women are pushing the boundaries of sport and I think Mrs Hammett is definitely one of them."

Luke said Mrs Hammett's achievements were impressive

Percy said: "I don't think I could even do one marathon. And doing it for charity, it is such an unselfish act."

Luke said: "From not doing much sport to running over 400 marathons, it is impressive."

Isabel, also a keen runner, said she was inspired by Mrs Hammett as she never gave up.

"I want to become the youngest person to finish the Barkley Marathons in Tennessee. She believes in me and has told me to believe in myself," she said.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with about 55,000 women and 400 men diagnosed every year.

Isabel is also a keen runner and hopes to become the youngest person to complete the infamous Barkley Marathons

Mrs Hammett said: "I found a lump in my right breast. Fortunately it was at an early stage and it could be treated with a lumpectomy surgery followed by radiotherapy.

"My biggest message to anyone, man or woman, would be 'check your breasts - it is so important'.

"It has been a really scary time, given both my husband and I have had cancer within a year of each other.

"However, the support and love of friends, family and the running community has helped me through it."

She took six weeks off following surgery, but is now building her strength for her eighth London Marathon, aiming to finish in under four hours.

Mrs Hammett's best time this year was 3:49:57 at the Brighton Marathon, where she received her medal from Paula Radcliffe

"I can't wait," she said. "It is such an exciting time. I love London.

"The crowds are phenomenal. People who you don't know just shout out your name in support. It's such a jolly atmosphere and an amazing experience.

"I am grateful for every day. Guy and I are fit and healthy people. It was so unexpected for us both to receive a cancer diagnosis.

"But we are still here, thanks to the kindness of the NHS and everyone that supported us, so to run for them, I suspect there will be tears on the finish line."

Gudrun Allsobrook, of Breast Cancer Now, said: "Completing 400 marathons is an incredible achievement, and we are so grateful Apryl has chosen to support our research and support services with her latest one.

"Every 10 minutes one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK. But thanks to the support of fundraisers like Apryl, we move closer to our ambition that by 2050 everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live and be supported to live well."