A FLINTSHIRE woman is taking on the London Marathon this weekend, in aid of a charity that supported her when she needed it most.

On Sunday, Paula Seamarks, from Sychdyn, will be hitting the streets of London for Maggie's Cancer Charity, following the support she received during her mum's diagnosis. Paula is attempting the feat to raise funds for the Maggie's Wirral.

Anyone can get support from Maggie's without a referral. Because everyone needs something different to help them cope, the charity works closely with individuals to identify support that empowers them to negotiate a way through their own cancer, making life feel more manageable.

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Maggie's provide information, psychological support, financial guidance, nutrition advice and run support groups, exercise sessions, workshops and various activities that compliments the work of professionals in hospitals and helps with the impact of cancer, along with side effects from cancer treatments.

The qualified team of healthcare professionals welcome each visitor as an individual and guide them through the minefield that a cancer experience can be. The team offer free practical, emotional and psychological support to anyone affected by cancer, through an evidenced based programme of support, shown to improve physical and emotional wellbeing. Maggie's provide this free of charge to people of any age, with any type of cancer, at any stage of their illness.

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Paula said: "Cancer has affected many people close to my heart, my dad was diagnosed with kidney cancer during 2004 and left us within five months of diagnosis. Along with other special friends and family members, all taken far too young.

"In October 2022, it was confirmed that my mum had pancreatic cancer. She's still currently being monitored and it's unclear of recurrence, so she's still fighting hard. Maggie's has been a huge support, whilst mum was having her chemotherapy treatment.

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"I'd go over to the centre, have a quiet moment or chat with the team of professional, and I always received a warm welcome. The emotional support provided by the heartfelt Maggie's staff and volunteers is of such a great value for all those affected.

"I'm up for the challenge of the London Marathon. I'm not doing it for a time but for completion and to raise the profile of Maggie's. As well as to help to raise funds for the much-needed support that they provide, I am also hoping to raise awareness of the new Maggie's centre that will be developed in North Wales over the coming year.

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"I have been running shorter runs until recently but I've been steadily upping my mileage. It's a challenge but I'm looking forward to the experience."

Kathy Wright, centre head at Maggie's, added: "We are extremely grateful to Paula for taking on this incredible challenge, and we wish her lots of luck. It's great to hear that Paula found the support from Maggie's helpful.

"It's important that people know we're here for anyone affected by cancer, and because bewildering changes not only affect the person with cancer, but also their family and friends, we offer our services to them as well. If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do just drop in."

• To sponsor Paula, visit her JustGiving page here: tinyurl.com/592kypbk