Pictured above: Karen Holbrook

EMB staff member, Karen Holbrook from Alvaston is training for a mammoth 26.2 kilometer (16.3 miles) run from Nottingham to Derby on 20 March 2011 to raise money for the charity Breast Cancer Care.

"I am undertaking a six month rigorous training plan which will involve long training runs throughout the cold winter months. The Nottingham to Derby Kilomathon is a tough challenge that pushes runners to their limits and for me nutrition, stretching and pounding those pavements will become an important part of life for the next few months." 

Local support pours in…

As well as running in the Kilomathon, Karen is also arranging a Black Tie Fundraising Event on the 4 March 2011 at The Venue, Abbey Street, Derby. "Anyone who wants to donate items or help is welcome to contact me," adds Karen. "People have been great so far with the venue being donated free of charge for the event and a local DJ who is working for free." 

The Breast Cancer Care charity is very important to Karen as she explains.  "I have personally experienced the devastating effects of this disease having been diagnosed with Breast Cancer myself in December 2009.

Getting the all clear

"The past year has been a very exhausting and emotional one for me having undergone a programme of Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, and Tamoxifen.  

I am pleased to say that in August 2010 the doctors gave me the all clear and confirmed that the intensive treatment which I had undertaken had been successful.

I have regained my health and am growing in strength, both mentally and physically, every day. I am thankful for the love and support provided by my family and friends during my ordeal. Without such support I believe that my recovery would not have happened so quickly and that I would not be ready to take on this running challenge of a lifetime!"

Karen will be joined by runners from all over the country in the Kilomathon which she says is the perfect race distance for a stand-alone challenge.

Rising to the challenge…

Stephen Smith, Chief Executive of Karen's employer, EMB Ltd, the enterprise and economic development company that delivers local access to a range of business improvement services said Karen's colleagues are rooting for her. "This is no easy race and Karen's training schedule is a tough one. She is a very determined person and has definitely risen to the challenge, organising both the Kilomathon and the charity event. The Breast Cancer Care charity does great work everyone at EMB is giving Karen and the charity their backing and encouragement."

If you would like to show your support by attending the Black Tie Fundraising Event on the 4 March 2011 at The Venue, Abbey Street, Derby, please email showyoursupport@hotmail.co.uk requesting to be added to the guest list. 

To donate to Karen's fundraising efforts, please visit www.justgiving.com/karen-holbrook1968