Heather Hawkins, the 438th person I’ve met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, performed an astonishing feat of endurance in January 2016.

Heather ran seven marathons on seven continents in seven days – in Antarctica, Punta Arenas (Chile), Miami, Madrid, Marrakesh (Morocco), Dubai and, finally, Sydney. According to the rules of the World Marathon Challenge, all the marathons had to be completed within 168 hours, which Heather, and each of her 14 companions, managed to do.

In 2015, not long after celebrating her 50th birthday and 25th wedding anniversary, Heather was one of 45 people to run the annual North Pole Marathon. Heather was the first woman to cross the finishing line and finished eighth overall, in -41c temperatures.

Heather’s life was transformed in 2007, when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Heather, who was a trained nurse, had fortunately recognised signs and symptoms while the cancer was still in stage one, which meant the surgeons were able to remove it in time.

During her recovery, Heather’s oncologist encouraged her to start exercising, to assist with her physical and emotional health. She first became a surf lifesaver and then, in 2012, she participated in a 4km fun run, which was not only the furthest she’d ever run but opened up a whole new world of possibility. Running felt liberating … and Heather knew she wanted more.

Heather started going for longer and longer runs, to challenge herself, to thrive, to set new personal bests. That led to the North Pole Marathon and World Marathon Challenge; and, later, the Marathon des Sables, a seven-day, 250km run through the Sahara Desert, and The Track, a 10-day, 520km run through the Northern Territory.

While these exploits are remarkable personal achievements, Heather never runs just for herself. She always raises funds for cancer research in the process; also, she dedicates different parts of her race to different people, including family, friends and cancer survivors.

Heather also shares her story through keynote speaking and serves as an advisory board member for Cartherics, a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies.

As anyone who’s seen ‘Sliding Doors’ knows, one event can completely reorient our lives. If Heather hadn’t been diagnosed with cancer and then encouraged to exercise, she doesn’t know if she would have ever discovered running.

Heather is an incredibly warm person with a very positive mindset and a deep commitment to her family. She wants to keep pushing herself and creating opportunities for more unforgettable experiences – ideally, in company with her family. In February, Heather and her son are planning to climb Aconcagua, in Argentina, which is about 7,000m high. It will be a fabulous way to celebrate her second chance at life and commemorate the year she turns 60.