Maike van Niekerk running 7 marathons in 7 days for cancer patients

A young woman from Corner Brook is running sevenconsecutive marathons across Newfoundland to raise money fortheCanadianCancer Society.

• MaikevanNiekerk, Jim Burton awarded by Red Cross for humanitarian work
• Mother's death inspires teen to bike across Newfoundland

MaikevanNiekerklaced up her sneakersFridayandbeganthe first leg of her journey in St. John's.

I'm nervous but I think that I can do it, I have that determination.- MaikevanNiekerk

She will runa marathon eachday, travelling 294 kilometresuntil she completes the seventh run on Christmas Evein Corner Brook.

"I'm nervous but I think that I can do it, I have that determination," said vanNiekerk.

Personal connection

VanNiekerkwasonly15when she lost her mother,Katrin,to breast cancer and that experience inspired her to reach out and help others.

"So many people have been telling me that just the fact that they know someone cares enough to be able to do those things they think that's a huge impact," said vanNiekerk.

In August 2014, shecycledfrom St. Anthony to St. John's to raise money forKatrin'sKarepackage, a programshe created in honour of her mother, who died from breast cancer,that helps offset the cost of travel for patients who need to get their treatments in St. John's.

This marathontrip is part of her 7 Days ofKaringcampaignandwillraise money for the same cause.

Her father Chris vanNiekerk said heis immensely proud of his daughter and saidif anyone can do it, his daughter can.

"You say it can't be done,[it's]impossible, butI think that's her motto in life, impossible to possible, nothingcannot be done if you put the effort into it,"he said.

Intense training

To prepare for the trek, vanNiekerksaid she's been running four to five times each week with a little bit of cycling added to her training schedule.

Just remembering what the cause is for and how manycancer patients this is for, really gets me through the day.- MaikevanNiekerk

She's also been doing physiotherapyto help ensure things go smoothly during the challenge.

Last month, vanNiekerkreceived the Young Humanitarian of the Year award from The Canadian Red Cross for herdedication to helping people with cancer.

She said receiving the award was both ahumbling and amazing experience.

"I was absolutely honoured. I admire the Red Cross so much for all of the work that they do."

Money Raised

VanNiekerksaid her program has raised$64,000dollars in the past few months from the generous support of people in the province and her fellow students at Dalhousie University.

She has set a goal of$70,000 dollars andhopes everyone can give thegift of transportation for cancer patientsthis Christmas.

"Just remembering what the cause is for and how manycancer patients this is for, really gets me through the day," she said.

Once completed, van Niekerk will have run marathons in St. John's, Whitbourne, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Springdale, Deer Lake and Corner Brook.