A 21-year-old woman from Macroom is running 10 half-marathons to mark 10 years being cancer-free.

Aoife Lucey, who began with a half-marathon in Charleville and hopes to finish her tenth in Copenhagen next September, is raising funds for Childhood Cancer Ireland.

Aoife’s 10 for 10 fundraisers, which are listed on the iDonate platform, celebrates the resilience of children and families affected by cancer.

Each half-marathon also serves to highlight the ongoing needs of children still in treatment.

On a personal note, Aoife, who had Leukaemia as a child, told The Southern Star: ‘Every race, every step, every kilometre is a reminder of how far I have come.

‘I am running for the sick, the scared, and the tired little girl in the hospital bed: the one with big crazy dreams that she thought had been taken from her, but didn’t give up. That girl fought with everything she had to beat cancer,’ the determined runner said of her younger self.

Aoife, who is half-way through her fundraiser, having already covered all corners of the country, said she wants it to serve as a reminder of what is possible.

‘I’ve loved every mile, every course, and all of the support along the way, but it is knowing that each race is helping to raise awareness and funds that makes it even more special,’ she added.

Aoife believes her experience with cancer has shaped who she is today. ‘The word strength developed a whole new meaning. I learnt how to fight when I felt scared, how to hope when I felt hopeless and how to keep moving forward in the darkest moments.

‘The experience didn’t just change me, it became the foundation of who I am today, and why I never give up.’

Aoife is doing it for the 375 children and young people diagnosed with cancer in Ireland each year, and she will be donating all of the money raised to the parent and survivor-led charity, Childhood Cancer Ireland.

Aoife said a cancer diagnosis can pull the rug from under any family, but when it happens, Childhood Cancer Ireland is there, giving families the strength they need every step of the way.’

As well as providing emotional, practical and financial advice, it offers support for all members of the family from the moment of diagnosis, through treatment, and into survival or bereavement.

Laura Cullinan, CEO of Childhood Cancer Ireland said: ‘Aoife’s determination and generosity are truly inspiring. Her challenge is a powerful reminder of the strength of childhood cancer survivors and the importance of community support.’