A MOTHER of two from Holsworthy successfully completed her first ever marathon on Sunday.
Five years ago Diana Stevens underwent 12 months of chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy after finding out she had breast cancer.
Diana is sure that it was her rural network that supported her and played such a vital part in her recovery.
But even with no claims to be a distance runner Diana took it upon herself to run the London Marathon to raise money for the Countryside Alliance Foundation.
She said: “The foundation uses educational initiatives to introduce children and their teachers to the beauty, importance and diversity of our rural heritage; inspiring them to become passionate about its future and protect it for future generations.
“It might be hard to imagine but I actually found the run quite comfortable, especially since I had missed out four weeks of training due to a fall in February from the horse trailer onto the road damaging both cartilages.
“My success was, I felt, largely due to Mike Goodman and Matt Luxton of FA fitness from Lifton. Their training plan and nutritional advice for me as a complete non-runner in December to marathon runner in April is nothing short of amazing.
“Together with advice and supplies from Sean Jacques of HPT in Bude, whose knowledge of all matters running is unending, it all went very to plan.
“When I felt a bit weary I just thought to myself I got through a year of chemo and radiotherapy I can get through 26.2 miles, although I actually ran more than 27 because of winding around the people walking.
“But probably the greatest inspiration was my wonderful husband, Patrick, and my daughters who were there to cheer me on at Tower Bridge, Tower Hill and then at the finish.
“I’m truly overwhelmed with the beautiful messages of support and congratulations from everyone.”
Donations can still be made for the Countryside Alliance Foundation by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/beckleythecat website or by simply handing a donation direct to Diana.