Gemma is half way to her pledge to raise £1000 for Bowel Cancer UK.
Running up to ten miles three times a week, Gemma King's new training regime for the London Marathon has her way out of her comfort zone.
"The last time I did excercise was in school," she says. "I decided to run the marathon thinking it would be a bit of a laugh, I didn't really know what I was letting myself in for."
But 12 weeks into her training, second year student Gemma has already raised £500 in sponsorship. This is half of the £1000 she is pledging for Bowel Cancer UK when she completes the 26 mile run in April.
"My step brother got hit with bowel cancer and though he was lucky enough to get through it I am still frustrated by the taboo surrounding that type of cancer. Many people are still embarrassed to talk about it."
Gemma is hoping her fundraising work for the race will also raise awareness for the cause.
So far she has held the first of three events in her department at Orpington's Princess Royal Hospital, making sandwiches and cakes for staff in return for donations. The next two events will take place the hospital's other Kent site and at her school Southbank University. She is also planning a "really big raffle" to encourage contributions from the 23,000 students on her campus.
"I've been really cheeky approaching companies for raffle prizes and it's going really well. I have a Crabtree and Evelyn hamper and tickets to go paintballing. Even if people can't donate it's really nice to get people's stories and the chance to spread the message about bowel cancer."
Following the "very encouraging" support from those in her department, Gemma is hoping others follow suit and sponsor her: "There are a couple of people I work with who are runners who have said I'm mental doing this but they have given me loads of tips and support. It's a big event for me, the more money I get for the charity the more it encourages me to run, that's what spurs me on."
Richard Evans, SoR CEO attended Gemma's first fundraising event and was "very impressed" with the community atmosphere in the department and Gemma's hard work. He said: "Gemma has obviously felt very much part of the team and her hard work brought everyone together in a very effective way. It is great to see such initiative in raising awareness for bowel cancer too and I wish her every
success in her training."
To sponsor Gemma or make a donation follow the direct link to her Just Giving web page or search on the main page under 'people'.
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