Cancer girl, six, to run Race for Life

8:19am Tuesday 17th July 2007

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A courageous six-year-old girl from Feltham will take part in this year's Race for Life to raise money for charity - despite her own ongoing battle with leukaemia.

Sophie Ryan-Palmer, of Rochester Avenue, will be running in aid of Cancer Research on July 22.

She will be joined by her cousin Shannon, childminder Rachel, auntie Michele and friend Mary. More than 50 family and friends are expected to watch Sophie take part in the event at Kempton Park.

The youngster was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2003 at the age of two. She was treated at Great Ormond Street and West Middlesex hospitals, where she endured a gruelling course of antibiotics, blood tests, chemotherapy and frequent hospital stays.

Sophie's mum Debbie Ryan thanked Show Presentation Services in Northholt, Middlesex, where she has worked for 11 years as a project manager, for being supportive during her daughter's illness.

She said: "They are a fantastic company and who have given me a lot of time off to allow me to take Sophie to hospital appointments. I couldn't ask for a better company for being supportive."

Miss Ryan, 36, added she was shocked when the audio visual company presented her with a cheque for an all-expenses paid holiday to Lapland in December 2004.

The family celebrated when Sophie was given the all-clear in March 2006.

But their happiness was short-lived when a blood test revealed the leukaemia had returned. They were told the news in January this year in a phonecall from a consultant at Great Ormand Street hospital.

Miss Ryan reflected: "I was left in total shock when I was told the news as I thought Sophie was in the clear. I found it very hard to understand, because she had been so healthy and so well."

Sophie attends Beauclerc Infant School, in Sunbury, where teacher Mrs Brockway organised a sponsored silence for the pupil, and raised £500.

Family friends also raised funds for Sophie by organising an evening out in Twickenham in March. More than 80 people attended and donated £585.

The little girl refused to let her illness take control of her life by pledging to run in this year's race for life to help fellow cancer sufferers.

Miss Ryan said: "I think she is an inspiration for other people by already raised £2,800 and I am very proud to have a brave princess who wants to something to help others by doing Race For Life.

"I look to her and think wow'.

"Despite being poorly she was always dancing while a patient in Great Ormond Street Hospital.

"She is very close to her childminder Rachel, who has been very supportive while looking after a child with cancer in her care".

"I am having T-shirts made by the company Chameleon Graphics and a banner courtesy of Enigma to make it a day that Sophie will never forget."

Help Sophie reach her sponsorship target of £3,500.00, visit raceforlife sponsorme.org/sophieryan-palmer