Auckland woman pays tribute to late mum by running 12 half marathons

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

A Mt Albert woman has pledged to run one half marathon a month this year to pay tribute to her late mum and to back breast cancer.

Thirty-eight-year-old Nadine France is tackling the daunting challenge to commemorate mum Laural who died in 2019 after a 10-year battle with breast cancer.

The runner of 15 years also wants to raise money for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ to boost funds for research and raise awareness of the disease.

“Mum would be absolutely shocked by this challenge, but I think she’d also be proud because she was someone who gave a lot and cared about women prioritising their health,” France said.

She said the gruelling runs would be part of her healing process and a way to channel her grief into doing something positive.

"When mum was in her final days people were so kind so it's important for me to give back in some way."

France tackled the eighth Continent Half Marathon at Auckland Domain earlier this month.

With 11 races to go, she said she is looking forward to moving out of her comfort zone and at the same time seeing more of the country.

Go to givealittle.co.nz... for more information.