A NEWTYLE woman who completed the London Marathon on Sunday has no intention of having a break—because she is only halfway to completing her personal challenge of four races in four months.

Tracey West (33) has set herself the brave task, which will see her complete two full marathons and two half-marathons, to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Over the last few years she has lost her aunt, uncle, grandfather and three friends to cancer.

She said, “Every year I do something for Macmillan Cancer Support and this year my target is to raise £3000.

“The charity uses the money to help with treatment and help sufferers in any way they can.

“I have heard such good things about the charity and how much they help people affected by cancer and they really seem to make a difference.

“The charities don’t seem to get enough money and every little helps, so I just like to do my bit—even if the money helps one person then that’s my job done!”

Her fund-raising events began in March with the Edinburgh half-marathon, followed by the London Marathon, completed in five hours and 41 minutes.

The next race is another marathon in Edinburgh on May 25 before Tracey returns to home ground to complete her challenge with the Dundee half-marathon on June 22.

The former pupil of St Saviour’s High School in Dundee, explained exercise and healthy living did not play such an important part in her life in the past.

She said, “I used to be a very lazy person and I never would have thought I would ever be able to complete even one marathon— if my school PE teacher could see me now he would pass out!

“I decided to lose the weight and get active after seeing holiday photos from when I was in Turkey a few years ago.

“I knew I had to do something about my weight so I joined Weight Watchers and I have lost two stone since then.

“This is what sparked off my interest in running as a great way to keep fit and keep the weight off.”

Tracey works as a full-time class leader for Weight Watchers, holding classes in Dundee, Blairgowrie and Perth.

“I hope that my members see my efforts and success as an inspiration towards achieving their own weight-loss goals.

“These days I try to go to the gym a couple of times a week.

“I go for short runs about three times a week and I go on longer 10 to 15-mile runs at the weekends.”

She continued, “I’m already signed up for next year’s London Marathon.

“I was disappointed at the time it took to complete it because I was aiming for four-and-a-half hours, but I twisted my knee during the race.

“My motivation came from knowing I had the charity at the front of my mind and I phoned my mum and she kept me going.

“I’m really pleased my last race in June is in Dundee—it will be good to have the support of the home crowd behind me.

“My mum and dad always try to get along to the races. They have been a great support to me and they will definitely be cheering me on. I will be getting back into the training again on Wednesday!”

Already she has raised more than £1000.

Visit www.justgiving.com/twest to donate.