Isobel Fry and Lauren Hirst News, Cheshire
A schoolgirl who ran almost 100km (62 miles) while undergoing radiotherapy has said she took up the challenge because “we all have the power to make a difference”.
Maya, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was 12 years old, started her running mission after having brain surgery.
“At the time when I was starting treatment, it was September, which was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month,” said the 14-year-old, from Wilmslow, Cheshire.
“So it was kind of like ‘how can I kill two birds with one stone and take my mind off the treatment, but also raise money for charity and help other people like me?'”
Maya said her parents had pushed for her to have an MRI scan after struggling with headaches.
“The next day they called us in, they informed us of the devastating news that I had a brain tumour and would need an emergency brain surgery to save my life,” she said.
“It was just such a big shock and I couldn’t believe it. I was quite scared because I just didn’t know what was going to happen.”
Family handoutShe said she decided to take up the challenge for the Young Lives vs Cancer charity as she hated running.
“I thought it would be definitely a good challenge,” she said.
“I’d go to school first, then my mum or dad would come pick me up from school and take me to the Christie Proton Beam Therapy Centre so I could have my treatment.
“I would go home and get ready to go for my run or if I was extremely tired I’d go to sleep and then go for my run.”
Family handoutDuring the final stages of treatment, Maya became extremely unwell and was admitted to hospital.
“The day after my treatment ended I had to have my second brain surgery but my dad finished the challenge and ran the last little bit on my behalf,” she said.
“I’m ok now. I’m just living my life as normally as I can.
Maya is a finalist in the new young hero category in the local radio’s Make a Difference Awards.
“It feels really cool and it’s such a privilege to be nominated and recognised for especially since we all have the power to make a difference,” she said.
