A SPORTS therapist is tackling a gruelling 26-hour fitness challenge to thank surgeons for saving her brother’s life.
Trainer and physio Emma Venables is embarking on a non-stop marathon exactly a year after brother Andy was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Fortunately, the dad-of-three is now making a good recovery.
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Emma, 33, who works at Knutsford Gym, said: “My brother is doing really well at the moment.
“He was diagnosed at the age of 35.
“Following many scans, tests and an operation, he began 10 weeks of intensive treatment at The Christie.
“The cancer was very aggressive and spread to his lymph nodes.
“He spent 31 days in hospital, five days in isolation due to Covid, two infections and 26 days of chemo.
“We have just found out that he doesn’t need to have another operation which is a big relief for us all.
“He is an inspiration to my family.
“I want to challenge myself.
“The whole team at The Christie was incredible, from the medical professionals to the support staff during Andy’s treatment.
“This is a big thank you to them.”
Emma is raising funds for The Christie and The Society for Mucopolysaccaride Diseases (The MPS Society).
“My best friend’s son, Freddie, who is three, has a very rare genetic condition, dementia in children, a terminal illness which has no cure," she said.
“He was diagnosed before his second birthday.
“He is currently on a trial in Spain.
“I hope this will raise awareness and funds and support his family.”
Emma, a trainer and physio, runs her own business Premier Health and Fitness, at the gym on Malt Street.
She starts her marathon with a bike ride from her home in Congleton to Siddington, the Cheshire village where dad Andrew has a dairy farm.
A sports day will be followed by cycling, running, walking, tennis and swimming until she reaches Knutsford Gym.
Circuits, running, yoga and dancing will keep her constantly on the go.
“I will be on different machines in the gym through the night,” said Emma.
“The hardest thing will be no sleep.
“I am nervous but excited.
“I love fitness and I love a challenge.
“I have other friends and family members who have been through treatment so they will be on my mind when it gets tough."
More bike rides, a swim and runs in Tatton Park and Moor Park will complete the test of endurance.
“I have been overwhelmed with the donations I have received so far and want to say a massive thank you," said Emma.
“I wouldn’t have been able to so this without everyone’s support.”
So far, Emma has raised more than £9,000.
To donate visit givewheel.com/fundraising/433/a-marathon-of-fitness/
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