Race For Life - Cheltenham

Friday 3rd July 2009

Brave schoolgirl Ellie Watkins will join celebrity Sarah Greene to start off this year’s Race for Life at Cheltenham racecourse on July 5.

The 12-year-old will be joined by runners young and old signed up for the 5km sponsored race in aid of Cancer Research UK at Prestbury Park.

Ellie was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer called Ewings Sarcoma when she was just two and endured six months of treatment which included chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery to remove a tumour and bone from her left arm, before being given the all clear.

The Watkins and several members of their family have taken part in Race for Life over the years.

This year’s race kicks off at 11am and Cancer Research UK staff will be there on the day to brief, guide and support volunteers.

Husbands, boyfriends and other men have volunteered to help out on the day.

Everyone who signs up for the Race For Life ‘SAS’ will receive a special T-shirt to wear on the day.

Around 3,500 have signed up for this year’s Race for Life and it is hoped more than £200,000 will be raised.