Young cancer survivor provides inspiration to hundreds who took part in Race for Life
Young cancer survivor Grace Newton has been praised after she tackled the Race for Life at Falkirk yesterday (12 June)- only weeks after breaking her arm in three places.
Seven-year-old Grace of Grangemouth endured major surgery to help heal the bone in her lower left arm after it snapped, weakened by chemotherapy treatment.
But Grace refused to let even that stop her, clutching on to a giant pink star shaped balloon with the words, ‘Amazing Grace’ on it as she stepped on stage as VIP to sound the airhorn and set off around 1,200 pink ladies on the 5K course at Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in the picturesque grounds of Callendar House, Falkirk.
Grace was just five when diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in February 2014 after doctors discovered a tumour in her right arm.
Her parents, Janet, 30, and Mark, 38, waited anxiously as Grace endured a 10 hour operation at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow to remove the tumour. Grace’s courage during almost a year of chemotherapy inspired her family and friends to fundraise tirelessly for Cancer Research UK.
Her mum Janet shared with the crowd just how far their daughter has come.
Janet said: “I’m so proud of my amazing Grace.
Everyone who has followed her journey can see how far she’s come in the last year and how hard she’s battled to beat cancer. She still has to live with devastating and life changing side effects that her treatment has left her.
“My inspiration for everything in life is this incredible girl. The first time we took part in Race for Life Grace was only a few months in to her treatment and right in between cycles of chemotherapy. But we made the day and although I pushed her around the 5K course she proudly walked across the finish line. Every year since our team has grown bigger and stronger.
“The atmosphere is incredible and it’s a good feeling to know that you are trying to make a difference by helping fund vital research so one day everyone survives cancer.”
It was an emotional moment when Grace released five white doves on stage during a minute’s silence in honour of all Scots who have been through cancer. The doves were supplied by Charlene McGuire of Falkirk who brings the birds every year to Race for Life Falkirk. First home in the Race for Life 5K was Eleanor Hanson, 16, of Wallace High School who completed the course in 19 minutes and 15 seconds.
Race for Life event manager for Falkirk, Angela Wilson said: “The support people across Falkirk and Grangemouth have shown is absolutely tremendous and we are thrilled so many women took part in Race for Life.
“We want to say a heart-felt thanks to everyone who took part or supported our participants, as well as the wonderful volunteers who helped to make it happen.”
Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across Scotland.
