Lisburn News

Gemma signs up for marathon effort to help leukaemia Research

Laura Kettyle, Anna McLaughlin, Lisa Crawford, Jodle Hay, Tracey Watson and Gemma Logan (bottom right)

MOIRA: A leukaemia research scientist from Moira plans is to put her best foot forward and take part in the Deep River Rock Belfast City Marathon in May as part of a team raising money for the NI Leukaemia Research Fund.

Gemma Logan (23) from Winfort Lodge is studying at Queens University Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, and will join the Red Heroes team to take part in the relay.

Gemma decided to do the marathon to help raise much needed money and the profile of Leukaemia Research.

"Leukaemia Research helps fund our work and we really wanted to give something back in an effort to raise the profile of the charity and much needed funds so that one day a cure may one day be found for leukaemia," she said.

"We are not runners but we just wanted to do something to help and we hoped to raise a minimum of £1000. But it is looking more like over £3000."

Gemma continued: "We feel this is the perfect opportunity to highlight the charity and the work they do."

Caroline Crothers, Co-ordinator for NILRE, said: "We are so pleased to have support like this and we hope that as many people as possible will join our 'Red Heroes' and put on their running shoes for NILRE And if you can't take part by running, I would encourage people to come together to sponsor and cheer on people running for the NILRF.

NILRF was founded nearly 50 years ago and only funds research in Northern Ireland. 91p in every £1 raised goes towards leukaemia research.

You can follow the 'Red Heroes' training and fundraising progress on twitter - @redheroes64 and you can donate online through their JustGiving page - www.justgiving.com/redheroes

If you would like to join the Red Heroes and start your own relay team, run or walk on behalf of NILRF contact 028 9097 2928 or email, admin@leukaemia-ni.org.

Ulster Star
30/03/2012