Inspirational Marie hopes to 'create legacy'
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A TERMINALLY-ill woman from Newmachar has raised over £3000 following a charity 5k run at Haddo Estate.
Run4Marie was the brainchild of inspirational Marie Dobson, a keen runner who was told in June that her secondary breast cancer had spread into her bones and become uncurable.
The Newmachar Running Group member had already fended off breast cancer four years prior.
But despite the devastating news and her illness now at a stage which leaves the 36-year-old unable to participate in even the least taxing of exercises, Marie has decided to leave something behind to remember her by.
She said: “I was told I couldn't run or exercise but I decided if I could inspire others to run, then so be it.
“We're not going to be on this planet forever and I've only been given two to five years.
“But if I can create a bit of a legacy then I would love that.
“It's something amazing that has come from something so horrible.
“It sounds strange but I look at it like cancer has given me a gift to inspire and show my friends and family that there's so much you can do with your life – things like enjoying your health and going for a run, it's massive.”
“Although my illness has been a blow it's given other people a chance to do something they usually don't, and given me a chance to do something I usually wouldn't.
“I did it at Haddo because it is one of the most beautiful places right on my doorstep.
The proceeds from the fun day, which attracted more than 200 people and also included a family obstacle race alongside an assortment of stalls, will go towards supporting Breast Cancer Care and awareness charity Coppafeel.
Marie continued: “I did athletics for Aberdeen Athletics Club, and competed locally and nationally for most of my life.
“After I was first diagnosed, I had a whole year of treatment and tried to get back into athletics but it didn't really happen.
“I tried my hand at distance running and I loved it because it was a new challenge.
“In March I started experiencing pain that went into my triceps and ribs, because I'm a personal trainer and I run it was just injuries through that.
“After a scan they explained the situation and that there wasn't a cure for it.
“I guess I just thought 'it is what it is' and if I can inspire others to run then great.
“That's where Run4Marie came from.”
Marie has a GoFundMe page to help with her treatment ('Goodboobsgonebad') which has already garnered over £2000 as she vowed to become a “miracle” and beat her illness.
She added: “I was given the news on Monday that the treatment I'm on isn't working.
“It's a massive blow after such an amazing weekend but this is where I have to think about alternative treatment.
“Being an athlete and a runner, I used my mind positively and I can't do it a different way.
“No matter what is thrown at me, I keep fighting – that's the way I am.”
