A GP at Bow Medical Practice is tackling the London Marathon this year after being inspired by her friend, Petrina Trueman, who is battling secondary breast cancer.

Susan Taheri discovered in January 2016 that she had been picked by Breast Cancer Care (BCC) for one of their 30 charity places in this year’s Virgin London Marathon out of 1,400 applicants.

Susan said she completed a marathon in 2011 ‘just to prove that she could’ and also a few half marathons, the last of which was Exeter’s Great West Run in 2013.

She added: ‘I mostly run shorter distances for fitness and stress relief!

‘I’m simultaneously excited and terrified! The marathon will take place on Sunday, April 24 and with only weeks to go I have my work cut out both in terms of training and raising money for this hugely deserving cause.

She added: ‘I was inspired to apply to run for BCC by a friend and former colleague who has found their support invaluable as she continues her own battle with secondary breast cancer.

‘BCC want every individual diagnosed with breast cancer to get the best treatment, information and support – they are the only UK-wide charity providing this. Their aim is to be there from day one, using their understanding of the emotional and practical issues facing people affected by breast cancer alongside clinical expertise.’

Petrina said she learned a lot about cancer through BCC.

She said: ‘After fighting my way through primary breast cancer in 2014, getting a secondary breast cancer diagnosis the following year was crushing for me and my partner, but BCC have helped us a lot.

‘I got to go to one of their Young Women with Secondaries conferences last year in Manchester. I learned a great deal about dealing with symptoms, relationship issues, relaxation techniques, you name it.

‘There were counsellors on hand if any of us wanted one-to-one help.

‘I came away feeling so much stronger! They managed to make it a treat too, like a girls’ weekend in a posh hotel – the BCC ladies looked after us all beautifully. When I was first diagnosed I was given a fantastic file with all kinds of information by the team at the hospital, which was produced by BCC.

‘It’s like having an expert on tap 24/7. Their website is full of useful, sensible information too. My dad’s always Googling things – I told him not to look anywhere else because there’s so much scary and inaccurate information on the internet.’

Anyone wishing to support Susan can do so through JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/susanandpetrina or complete a sponsorship form at the surgery in Bow.

Susan said there will also be a chance to guess the time she finishes with a prize for the person who comes the closest.