Nine-year-old Earby cancer survivor to launch Burnley's Race for Life (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Nine-year-old Earby cancer survivor to launch Burnley's Race for Life
6:00pm Friday 22nd February 2013 in News
Amelia Norcross with her grandmothers Christine Norcross, of Barnoldswick, left, and Mary Waterworth, of Earby.
INSPIRATIONAL cancer survivor Amelia Norcross makes Burnley’s Race for Life look like a walk in the park.
The nine-year-old Earby girl defied all the odds to overcome acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2007.
Now the Coates Lane Primary School pupil is urging women and girls across East Lancashire to take part in Cancer Research UK’s 5km Race for Life, in Towneley Park, on June 16.
Amelia, who will be guest of honour at the event with her family, before joining in herself, spent the majority of 2007 and 2008 in hospital receiving chemotherapy, and battling infections.
She has taken part fully in the event for the last two years, having only been able to walk one kilometre in 2008, and two kilometres in 2009.
She said: “I am excited about being guest of honour at Race for Life. I’m so grateful for the research that has helped me, and now I want to help others by supporting Cancer Research UK’s work.”
Amelia has now been in remission for more than three years, but still has check-ups every six months. Her grandmother, Mary Waterworth, 66, has taken part in the Race for Life for the past six years as a tribute to Amelia’s courage.
She said: “When Amelia was diagnosed it was an incredibly stressful, and sad, time. I just wanted to get to my daughter, Jessica, as quickly as possible to support her, but I was living in Ireland, and my husband was living in Scotland for work, so we both felt helpless for the first few days.
“Amelia coped so well with the never-ending hospital appointments. She just took it all in her stride, and it was very rare that she got upset. We are all so proud of her and it’s fantastic to see her living a normal, busy life, with so many interests.”
Last year’s event saw 953 women raise almost £50,000. This year the organisers want more than 1,000 participants, and are aiming for a total of £55,000 in sponsorship.
To enter Race for Life, go to www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.
