A CANCER survivor who took up running "to put some goodness back into the world" tackles her debut marathon later this month.
Reigate resident Rosie Rimmer, 42, will take part in the London race less than a year after she first put on a pair of running shoes.
Having survived three malignant melanomas in 20 years, the flight attendant says she feels lucky just to be alive. She ran the half-marathon Great North Run in aid of Cancer Research UK in September and on April 21 she'll be pounding along 26.2 miles of London's streets to raise money for the Miscarriage Association, a cause very close to her heart.
"I had a miscarriage four years ago, and many of my friends have been affected by them too," said Miss Rimmer, of Lesbourne Road.
"I just wanted to turn a negative into a positive. I wanted to put some goodness back into the world, where I have had misfortune."
Miss Rimmer decided to take up running last May.
"I wanted to get fit and raise money for charity," she said.
"I have had skin cancer which I still get checked for every six months. I raised £1,500 for Cancer Research in the Great North Run in September but I wanted to use my fitness to raise more. When I missed out on the ballot for a marathon place I went for a charity spot. I hadn't even heard of the Miscarriage Association. I saw it and I thought 'oh my God, that is the one for me!'"
Miss Rimmer's first cancer scare came when, aged 20, a large melanoma was found on her leg.
"The dermatologist said that if I'd been a cat, I would have had all of my nine lives in one go because it was a miracle it hadn't spread to my lymph nodes," she said.
After surgery to remove a large amount of leg muscle, she had to learn to walk again but after three years in remission she was given the all clear.
However, in 2005 another melanoma was found, followed by a third in 2007. Both were successfully removed.
"I keep getting these tumours, but I feel like the luckiest girl alive," said Miss Rimmer.
She and two friends who are running the marathon with her, are holding a big fundraising event tonight (Thursday), and all are welcome.
The charity quiz night takes place at The Venture Inn in Lesbourne Road, Reigate, starting at 8pm. There will also be a raffle and auction, with prizes including hotel stays and meals out to be won.
To sponsor Miss Rimmer, go to www.virginmoneygiving.com/RosieRimmer or to donate to her two friends and fellow runners, go to www.justgiving.com/WebsterTavs
