A quarter of a century after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, a Stevenage personal trainer hasn’t forgotten the treatment she received and is still fundraising for the cancer centre which supported her at the time.

Suzzanne Funiciello’s experience of cancer at just 23 years old has gone on to shape her life and she now works on a day-to-day basis with people of varying ages and medical conditions, including cancer, and helps to bring about beneficial change in their lives through exercise, soft tissue manipulation and holistic therapies.

She continues to fundraise for Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, as a way of giving something back in recognition of the support she received at the time.

It is no surprise therefore that she was the first person to sign up for the inaugural RunRowRide Challenge in aid of Mount Vernon Cancer Centre Charitable Fund, which takes place at gyms across the region on Sunday, October 16.

The triathlon involves running either 5k or 10k, rowing 2k or 4k, cycling 20k or 40k depending on whether you are completing the Sprint or Endurance challenge.

Still in recovery from a knee injury, Suzanne realised that the run element of the challenge was out of the question. However, undeterred, she has signed up with nine friends who will each run 1k alongside her.

Suzanne and her team of friends will undertake their triathlon at David Lloyd Leisure in Stevenage. The centre is setting out a dedicated area for the RunRowRide team and providing treadmills, static bikes and rowing machines for the challenge.

Suzzanne said: “Taking part in exercise was an important part of my recovery and has played an important part in my life. It was a big part of the reason I have gone on to become a personal trainer and nutritionist.

“I’m a firm believer that the mind and body are linked and we cannot look after one without the other so being able to take on a physical challenge and raise money for a fabulous charity is a win win for me.”

“I’ve still not forgotten the love and support I felt from the team at MVCC. Throughout my journey I have been cared for by many wonderful oncologists, radiographers, nurses and cancer support teams.

“The work these people do is humbling. They willingly jump on board your journey through cancer which can be ugly, harrowing, painful, draining and unpredictable. I can never ever repay all that has been done for me but hope in some way together we can provide support for this fantastic cause and the patients it serves.”

To find out more about RunRowRide and to register visit www.runrowride.org.