A WOMAN who will run the London Marathon this weekend – just weeks before her 60th birthday – has not only battled through cancer but has only been running for a year.

Hilary Watson will take on the London Marathon on Sunday after competing in only one other charity run.

Hilary is, however, no ordinary runner, and is taking part in the marathon not just for herself but to help others who have been through the same trauma she has endured.

The 59-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, and after going through the terrible ordeal of treatment and tests, and coming out the other side, she decided she wanted to help those who may not be as lucky as she has been.

Hilary only started running about a year ago. She was inspired to run by her son Andrew who competed in the New York Marathon.

She trained herself to run the 10k Race for Life last September in Tatton Park having never run before and took on the challenge of trying to get a place in the London Marathon 2009 for Cancer Research UK.

Having secured a place, Hilary has been training with the Tattenhall Runners for the last eight months in all weathers, twice a week at night with her miner’s lamp.

She said: "The Tattenhall Runners have been fantastic and very supportive. I have been running twice a week with them and then once on my own at the weekend.

"The majority of them are in their 30s and 40s and I think they were a little surprised when I turned up, but they have helped me along tremendously.

"I think what I have proved is that whatever you set your mind to you can do.

"I want to take part in the marathon as my personal accomplishment, and also in memory of my dear sister, Anne, and my two wonderful girlfriends, Christine and Jennie who didn't have the luck that I had. Also I have friends who are battling with cancer at the moment."

Hilary, who has a seven-month-old grandson, Maxwell, said she is also running the marathon for the kindness and support she received from Clatterbridge Hospital during her treatment.

Hilary is hoping to raise £7,000 and anyone who wishes to sponsor her can go to www.justgiving.com/ hilary-andrewwatson.

Anyone wanting to support Cancer Research UK in the Chester Race for Life on June 14 can call 0871 641 2282 or go to www.raceforlife.org