A MOTHER who, when her son was diagnosed with leukaemia four years ago, could barely run 100 metres, is taking part in the Flora London Marathon.
Claire Gillard, of Netley Road, Newton Abbot, was devastated when her younger son, Danny, aged eight, was diagnosed with the cancer. To look after him, Claire, 45, gave up her job as a learning support assistant at Knowles Hill School, Newton Abbot. Money was short and she was glad for any help she could get from the hospital social worker. The Oncology Department at Exeter Hospital also paid for days out for Danny. Once Danny was back on the path to health and Claire had got herself a new job at Coombeshead College, Newton Abbot, she decided she would like to put something back. 'I thought, well I run. That is what I could do. It was pretty daunting. I hadn't been running that long – and I'm not a natural runner,' she said with a laugh. So that she couldn't change her mind, she told all her friends she was going to run a marathon to raise money for the leukaemia charity, Clic Sergeant. She joined the Teignbridge Trotters and Newton Abbot Athletic Club, where her mentor and first coach was Mike Swift. 'She's done marvellously. I've seen her on the edge of tears of agony. She's a different person now – she looks much fitter. It takes a lot of guts,' he said. Two weeks ago, Claire did her longest run to date – 20 miles. As April 23 gets nearer, so the nerves are starting. She hopes to raise about £1,000 'It's only in the past month of so that I have believed I will actually finish running instead of walking.' Danny, who is now 12, is in remission. And what does he think of it all? 'He's proud of his mum, I'm told,' she said. If you would like to sponsor Claire, ring Mike Swift on 01626 335882.