CAMDEN - A Camden woman is combining one of her passions with the opportunity to help others.
Ann Allen, 49, is preparing to run a 42.2 km marathon in Madrid, Spain in late April. Allen, a horse trainer and boarder and owner of Camden Stables, heard about the event from a former student. The fact that it's also a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada led to her decision to participate.
"My uncle died of leukemia when he was 30 and I was 16," said Allen, regarding her personal experience with the blood-based cancer. "The more I thought about the marathon the more I thought that I am so fortunate and maybe someday it will be me that needs funding from things like this."
The opportunity to run a marathon in a different place with unique challenges was also appealing, said Allen.
"I enjoy running because you meet a lot of nice people and it's good to be doing something to get off your butt. It will be a different altitude and will have a huge impact on my body but I hope to make it in 4.5 hours."
It's not the first time Allen will be participating in a marathon. She began doing them five years ago and posted her best time last August during a 10 km run in Truro in 55 minutes.
As for as the Spain marathon, Allen is hoping to raise $6,000 that will go to the leukemia society.
"I've raised $2,600 already and I raise money for Caring For Cancer every year," said Allen. "And 75 per cent of the funds for the leukemia society goes to research."
Allen said some people have told her they are inspired by her active lifestyle and how she also uses it to help others.
"I hope to be an inspiration but that's not why I do it, and I'm not doing anything compared to what people who go through leukemia have to go through."
Anyone wanting more information, or to donate to or sponsor Allen, call at 893-4926.
mchiasson@trurodaily.com
