’What do you think are the most important things in life? What really matters most?’

Those were the searching questions asked by Patrice Downey, who is preparing to run the London Marathon on April 22 to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Answering her own questions, she told The Manx Independent: ’I would say people, the relationships we have with people and time.

’Materialistic items can be replaced, but people and relationships are irreplaceable.

’Time is the most valuable thing that we have, because it is the most irrevocable.’

When asked why she wants to raise money for Cancer Research UK, she said: ’Cancer Research UK is incredibly important to anyone who has been affected by cancer.

’It carries out vital research to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and the main ambition is to bring forward the day all cancers are cured’.

Patrice, aged 25, of Douglas, says she decided to raise money for Cancer Research UK after reading ’Wrestling Melanoma’, a blog by Mark Sims which she encourages everyone to read.

While she may not know him personally, she said his story touched her.

’He expresses the chaos, pain, frustration, fear and uncertainty that cancer creates.

’At the same time, it recognises the strength of courage, hope and love.’

Mr Sims died following his battle with cancer.

But he inspired Patrice to raise money for the charity which ’aims to increase the survival rate so that in the next 20 years, three out of four people diagnosed with cancer survives.’

Patrice is training five to six days a week and praised her trainer Keith Gerrard for helping her increase her mileage and pace.

She also thanked Ballakermeen High School for sponsoring her with a £500 donation and said she has been contacting other schools in the island.

Anyone who wishes to support Patrice is asked to donate at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/patrice