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Breast cancer has failed to knock runner Jill Booth out of her stride.
The East Cheshire Hospice fundraiser marked her return from illness by completing the Great North Run.
Jill, a retired primary school teacher, has dozens of race medals and the latest addition to her collection is unique.
Jill Booth with her collection of medals.
The medal featured the wrong city and river – Sunderland and the River Wear instead of Newcastle and the Tyne.
Jill said: “I suppose it’s a collector’s item, but I was just relieved to get round the course. It was my hardest Great North Run, though I hadn’t trained as much.”
Jill underwent a colon operation last November and four months later was diagnosed with cancer.
She said: “I’m grateful I can still run. The NHS did great work, and the doctors and nurses encouraged me to run. They said being fit and active would help my recovery.
Jill competing in the London marathon.
“The cancer was discovered on a routine hospital visit which shows the importance of regular checks.”
Jill’s operation was postponed so she could complete two runs in Dubrovnik, including one on the city walls.
She has raised more than £5,600 for the Hospice which cared for her late friend Liz Norton.
Jill has entered the London Landmarks half marathon in April by which time she will be 60, having only taken up running 10 years ago.
She said: “The Hospice gave Liz the most brilliant care and fundraising is my way of giving something back.”
Jill is a parkrun regular where she also volunteers.