Kim raises cash in honour of friend

Kim Pearson, who is a community manager at Evans Easyspace (part of Regus UK) at John Smith Business Park, took part in Ride for Research 2016 – raising more than £300 to boost the coffers of Cancer Research UK.

The money went into a pot of £14,000 that Ride for Research has raised in its inaugural year.

Kim’s horseback challenge was inspired by close friend Mairi, who has recently been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer.

She said: “In July 2011 my vivacious, bubbly and full-of-life friend, Mairi, was diagnosed, shortly before her 31st birthday, with breast cancer.

“But all through her treatment, which included a single mastectomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Mairi continued to be the amazing, strong and brave person I know.

“She raised money to enhance the waiting room in the hospital so that future cancer sufferers and the people in their lives would have somewhere peaceful, calm and comfortable to spend time in.

“She got the all clear in 2012 and went on to meet the love of her life and get married. Life was good apart from a pesky sore shoulder.

“But when her sore shoulder was investigated further, it showed that she had secondary breast cancer with spots showing up in her spine, right hip, liver and lungs.

“This time, the cancer is incurable and Mairi faces a life of more chemotherapy and radiotherapy. That’s why I set out to raise money to help kick cancer’s butt.”

She joined around 50 other riders on the day.