AN ARMY engineer from Hereford has told of her family's battles with cancer as she takes on an epic challenge to raise awareness.

Cpl Eléna Mountford, who is originally from Romania, lost her biological mother to lung cancer in 2018 and more recently has seen her adopted mum go through treatment for ovarian cancer.

Mrs Mountford said that it is important that people realise that they are not on their own when either themselves or a loved one is faced with a cancer diagnosis.

She said: "Having lost my biological mum to cancer, watching my adopted mum going through similar is incredibly hard."

Mrs Mountford is looking to raise awareness for other soldiers who are either going through cancer or know someone that is.

"We all know someone who has or is going through cancer", she said.

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"Unfortunately, the chances are that everybody will be affected by this terrible disease at some point in their lives.

"It is a horrific thing that will never go away."

To help raise awareness, Mrs Mountford is completing 10 marathons in 10 consecutive days wearing 10kg body armour, in the name of the Military vs Cancer charity.

 

Elena Mountford on her marathon around Hereford. Picture: Michael Eden

Elena Mountford on her marathon around Hereford. Picture: Michael Eden

 

Last year, she ran 5 marathons in 5 days in the north of England to raise money and wanted to set herself a bigger challenge.

She said: "With the armour on, it certainly makes it more difficult, but I am determined to get through it."

Having started her marathons on Tuesday (August 23) she is running in and around Hereford until Friday, August 26, before travelling to Wiltshire where her barracks are based to complete her challenge.

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She has raised £3,645 at time of writing and is aiming to raise £10,000.

"Military v Cancer have been fantastic and deserve every penny I can raise for them.

"Thank you to everyone for your support it's been absolutely amazing."

To find out more and donate visit her Just Giving page here.