KAREN'S GREAT RUN WITH HER ARMY OF ANGELS IN THE NORTH

A Staffordshire Police officer with breast cancer is preparing to take part in the Great North Run only seven weeks after surgery for a double mastectomy. PC Karen Bloor, one of the force's dog handlers, was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2014. She set herself the challenge of raising at least £1,000 for Breast Cancer Care by completing 12 events in 12 months. Since then, she has been taking part in fundraising runs and triathlons while still undergoing treatment. After hitting the £10,000 mark in August, 52 year-old Karen, who lives in Stafford, has now had to raise her target to £15,000. She has been supported in all her events by friends and colleagues she refers to as her 'army of angels'. ***"I couldn't have done it without them," she said. "They have been so supportive. Taking part in an event with friends just makes things so much better***." The Great North Run on Sunday 13 September will see her running a half marathon only seven weeks after undergoing a double mastectomy. It also falls just over two weeks after her first radiotherapy session. As well as the sporting events, Karen has been offering support and inspiration to others dealing with breast cancer including motivational speaking events and accompanying women for wig fittings. Having lost her hair twice already she is now delighted that her eyebrows have grown back and the hair on her head is making good progress. She also plans to volunteer at the wig fitting centre in Stafford. "Helping other people is making me feel good, so why wouldn't I do it? Being diagnosed with cancer was scary but a lot of positive things have come out of it. I am astonished at how generous people have been and the amount of support I have been given by family and friends, my army of angels, has been humbling. I have been fortunate that I have always enjoyed exercise so fundraising through running and triathlons was an easy route for me. However, I think I've surprised myself at how I have managed to keep going." Anyone wanting to help Karen achieve her fundraising goal can donate at www.justgiving.com/army-ofangels

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