Cancer battle drives mum to run for charity

Paula Conder

Today's 39th annual Property Brokers Round the Bridges Fun Run/Walk is always a grand occasion to get out for a jog and a bit of a laugh, but for Paula Conder, it's one more leg on the biggest race of her life.

The mother of standout Whanganui runner Christian Conder and an athlete in her own right, Paula Conder was diagnosed with breast cancer last October, right around the time the family was supposed to be celebrating her son's selection to run for New Zealand at the ISF World Schools Cross Country in Hungary in April.

"It was a huge shock and everything else. I've always been fit and healthy," Paula Conder said.

After surgery and chemotherapy treatment, Conder now travels to her Palmerston North oncologist for three weekly herceptin treatments, which will continue for the rest of this year.

She was grateful to the NZ Breast Cancer foundation (NZBCF) and the work they do to make high level medical care available, while being determined to regain full health, so Conder has begun training for the Auckland Marathon this October - a year to the date of her diagnosis.

Having "spare time" in October and November last year, Conder discovered the 'Year of Running' Facebook page, set up by Mark Zuckerberg, where she connected with people all over the world who use marathons and running to inspire themselves and others in the face of adversity.

Therefore, in Auckland, her marathon will be to raise money and awareness for NZBCF - she has collected $1000 already and is aiming for more than $2000.

"Exercise is good for you and no matter the situation you're in... running is good for you."

While still in the recovery phase with her herceptin treatments, which can make her a little more tired, Conder said she just has to be sensible with her preparations but otherwise it is no different to preparing for racing when in full health.

Today, both she and Christian entered the long race category of Round the Bridges.

Wanganui Chronicle organises the race with $5 entry for adults and $2 for children - all proceeds going to Birthright Wanganui.

Paula Conder has a website page at https://aucklandmarathon2016.everydayhero.com/nz/p-conder where you can go to find out more and donate to NZBCF.