Meet Bradford's marathon runner Cathryn Smith

Cathryn Smith has always kept herself fit and running has proved particularly beneficial to her and the many charities she has supported through her pleasurable pastime.

“I used to love school sports,” she recalls.

Born in Blackpool, Cathryn previously played for the Seabirds ladies football club before moving to Bradford.

Her passion for running was prompted when she participated in her first Park Run in the city.

“That started me off and I decided I wanted to get back into running.

“I did a 10k and a few 10ks and a half marathon then a full marathon,” she says.

The 57-year-old support worker who lives in Wibsey, was so inspired by the late Jane Tomlinson, she decided to participate in a series of Jane Tomlinson CBE’s Race for All events in 2014.

“She was such an inspiration,” says Cathryn.

Jane was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer in August 2000 when she was 36.

After out-living her initial six month diagnosis, the mother-of-three became a phenomenal fundraiser conquering many sporting challenges from triathlons to ironman contests.

Her legacy lives on through the Jane Tomlinson Appeal - Run for All is part of that legacy too.

Following her own personal battle with breast cancer, running has given Cathryn a greater perspective and an impetus to help others.

Cathryn’s diagnosis in September last year curtailed her marathon running for a time, but after taking part in the Bradford Parkrun at the weekend, she is gaining her momentum - and it’s helping in her recovery.

“I went to the GP with a slightly inverted nipple. I’d had scans with lumps but it turned out to be cysts which were drained. I checked myself regularly but I went with this and they referred me straight away,” she recalls.

The Grade 2 tumour didn’t show up on a mammogram. It was found through an ultra-sound scan.

“I was numb, I was gobsmacked," she said.

Cathryn had a full mastectomy and re-construction. She also some lymph nodes removed and is now taking medication - and running is helping in her recovery.

She wanted to support Cancer Support Yorkshire through the recent Park Run as it was approaching the anniversary of her diagnosis.

Cancer Support Yorkshire, an independent charity with centres in Bradford and Skipton, provides practical and emotional support to those affected by a cancer diagnosis.

“They have been a God send - that is the reason I wanted to do fundraising at the Park Run for them, to give something back,” says Cathryn, who was due to participate in the York half marathon the following day.

Talking about her passion for running, Cathryn explains: “It helps put things into perspective when I am running. That is when I do my thinking and I think the adrenaline as well kicks in. It is quite therapeutic and I would recommend it to anybody.”

Cathryn has also supported Cancer Research’s Race for Life, Bradford Disability Sport and Breast Cancer Haven in Leeds.

She estimates in the few years she has been running for charity she has raised around £5,000 - oh and she’s taken part in a fire walk too!

Cathryn says she is keen to support smaller, local charities, who don’t get any extra funding and rely on fundraisers.

“They (Cancer Support Yorkshire) are a great charity with lots of support and they can really help you get through it.”

Cathryn’s advice to anyone facing similar circumstances is: “Live life to the full and don’t hold back doing things you want to do.”

Linda Enderby, a fundraiser with Cancer Support Yorkshire, says: “Cathryn is a great ambassador for the charity, she knows exactly how our services can help people affected by cancer.

"When it comes to fundraising her enthusiasm is endless. Walking on fire, bucket collections organising her own events, Cathryn will do anything she can to help and we are extremely grateful to her.”

For more information about Cancer Support Yorkshire visit csyorkshire.org.uk or call 01274 776688.

To find out more about Jane Tomlinson’s Appeal visit janetomlinsonappeal.com or runforall.com.