Cancer survivor Sarah Martelli running for those who can't in Rotorua Half-Marathon

Sarah Martelli (centre) with nurses from Rotorua Hospital who helped care for her in the chemotherapy ward. Photo/Supplied

When Reporoa woman Sarah Martelli steps up to the start line for the Rotorua half-marathon this morning she expects she will feel a little nervous and overwhelmed.

It will be a special moment for 36-year-old Mrs Martelli, who is one-year cancer free, having had her last chemotherapy session on April 19, 2016.

"I imagine there will be a few tears when I cross the finish line ... I'm grateful I'm fit and healthy enough to run and I'm running for all of those who can't."

Mrs Martelli was diagnosed with a rare disease, called gestational trophoblastic disease, which meant cancerous cells were spreading around her body, in October 2015.

She needed six months of intense chemotherapy treatment.

While it was a frightening time for Mrs Martelli and her family, including her three children, she said being told she was cancer-free made her determined to be fit and healthy again, and she hoped to inspire other woman to believe in themselves.

For the half-marathon Mrs Martelli has set up a fundraising Givealittle page, with all money raised going towards the New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation.

She said she chose the organisation as it was not for profit, and relied solely on donations.

"They support New Zealand women through their whole cancer journey and strive to educate women on the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers, the more common ones being cervical and ovarian."

John Slater, the chairman of the New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation, said he was delighted Mrs Martelli was raising money for the organisation.

"She's had a tough journey and come through on the right side. I wish her well and I look forward to hearing how she gets on."

At the beginning of the year Mrs Martelli set up a Facebook page called Strong Woman, which has almost 1000 Facebook followers, and hopes by sharing photos and stories of her journey others will be inspired and they too can achieve their goals.

'I'm a glass-half full type of person. I'm training to be a personal trainer, I've seen how important health and strength are. I want to help train strong women."

Before her diagnosis Mrs Martelli was a runner, and had previously done two half-marathons, and had ambitions to do a full marathon.

Mrs Martelli encouraged women to educate themselves and listen to their bodies.

"If it doesn't feel right go and get a check up."

She said she wanted to thank the nurses who helped her through her journey, in Rotorua Hospital and Waikato Hospital.

To donate visit www.givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/strongwoman.