4:54pm Monday 6th September 2010
By Nazia Parveen
A GIFTED artist who was diagnosed with terminal cancer aged just 21 is putting her best foot forward in the Great North Run.
Ellen Riley, who grew up in Hurst Green and lives in Barrowford with husband Cedric Charleuf, was diagnosed with a brain tumour last November, three days before her 22nd birthday.
Now the former Blackburn College pupil is training for the 13-mile run on September 19 in aid of The Christie centre in Manchester, where she is being treated.
The portrait artist has been skipping to help with her co-ordination and jogging with her friend Rachel Page, who is also embarking on the challenge.
Ellen said: “We wanted to do something for The Christie to say thank you for the treatment I have had, and continue to receive.
“I am fairly confident about the run but considering I have had to learn how to do everything again – walk, wiggle my toes – to be doing a half marathon less than a year later I feel will be such an achievement.”
Ellen was diagnosed with cancer while living in Paris and, following an operation to remove a tumour, she was left partially paralysed. After regaining her mobility she returned to the UK to be cared for by her family.
To sponsor visit www.justgiving.com/Ellen-Riley-Charleuf
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