A mum of three from Belfast is running the London Marathon this month to raise funds for Action MS in memory of her late niece.
Gillian Sadlier applied for the marathon last year by public ballot but never thought that she would actually get a place.
Her niece Sandra was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at around the age of 18 and sadly passed away a day after her 32nd birthday, 12 years ago.
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The senior business manager is juggling family life and working full-time with the extensive training for the big event.
She began running 10 years ago just before her 40th birthday and her time is now devoted to training up to four times a week.
Gillian told Belfast Live: "A friend of mine has MS and suggested doing it for Action MS, rather than a big charity where the money would go to just research.
"That's why I picked this charity. I wanted to make a tangible difference locally. No one has ran in the London Marathon for Action MS before so they are delighted.
"Sandra had various symptoms for years and it took a long time for her to receive a diagnosis.
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"It was a really aggressive form of MS and ultimately she wasn't able to feed herself and ended up in a wheelchair.
"The marathon has given me a good chance to give something back and it's great as only 5% of people who apply every year get a place."
Gillian said training has taken over her life and there is no getting away from it, as it takes dedication.
Northern Ireland has the second highest incidence of multiple sclerosis in the world, affecting between four and five thousand people.
Helen Kirk from Action MS said: “We are delighted that Gillian is supporting Action MS by taking part in this high-profile event.
"Unlike a marathon runner at the 20 mile ‘wall’, a person with MS is unable to grit their teeth and keep going.
"Moreover, it is not a matter of ‘digging deep’ and finding fresh reserves of energy, so Gillian’s help in raising awareness of Multiple Sclerosis is vitally important.
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“As a local and dynamic charity, Action MS strives to live up to its name by providing practical and hands-on support to people living with MS and their families with services such as local support groups across the province.
"It is the fundraising efforts of people like Gillian and her family and friends that allow us to support so many people, and for that we are very grateful.
"We wish Gillian well in her training and preparation for the big day.”
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