A Barnet mother-of-three who was twice diagnosed with breast cancer has raised tens of thousands of pounds for a children’s hospital after her story sparked an outpouring of support.

Speaking to the JC last month, Nicky Marks, 52, revealed how she had received an early diagnosis for breast cancer after running into her former oncologist Dr Victor Jaffe at Woodside Park in May.

Her routine check-up was not due for another 18 months but she booked an appointment at Dr Jaffe’s urging.

Mrs Marks, who has already survived the disease, had a ‘lumpectomy’ this month after doctors found a lump in her breast and is awaiting results to decide further treatment. “I’m just keeping everything crossed that it will have been an early diagnosis, that it was a small tumour,” she said this week.

As part of her bid to stay positive prior to her surgery, she focused on running 5km every day over a 50-day period to raise money for Alyn Children’s Hospital in Jerusalem.

The challenge helped her stay “focused and positive”, she said, adding that sharing her story had even inspired others to book a mammogram or take up running.

Mrs Marks was initially unsure whether she would meet her £500 target and was stunned when donations reached tens of thousands of pounds on her Just Giving page. When combined with Gift Aid and further donations raised by her son Daniel, she expects the amount, currently exceeding £12,600, to edge closer to her new goal, £20,000.

Her 28-year-old son, a guest entertainer on a cruise ship, has been supporting the appeal on a treadmill on board the vessel and pledged to donate all his tips.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Nicky-Marks