Race for Life: Teenager Paris in the clear to run special race
A teenager who was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 will take part in her first Race for Life this summer since being given the all-clear.
Paris Tompkins is urging other people to join her in the event at Leicester's Victoria Park on June 30, which raises money for Cancer Research UK.
-
Determined: Paris Tompkins is urging others to join her in June
Paris, who lives in Aylestone, developed a lump on her neck in 2010.
Her first treatment, involving the removal of her thyroid gland and a course of radioactive pills while isolated in a hospital room in London for a week, failed to destroy the cancerous growth, which was about the size of a ping pong ball.
****Best Deals**** Van Insurance for 17-24 Yr Old Drivers - Contact Insure365 on 01782 898188
Terms: 1 Voucher Per Customer
Contact: 01782 898188
Valid until: Friday, July 19 2013
In 2011, she had to undergo the same treatment again but not before completing her first Race for Life, in Leicester.
The second round of treatment seemed to be a success and Paris was back at Western Park for the Leicester Race for Life last year.
This year she will get to do her first Race for Life having been given the all-clear and join thousands of women at the new venue, Victoria Park, on Sunday, June 30, to complete the 5km run.
"I was totally shocked that cancer could happen to me," said Paris, who is studying A-levels at Wyggeston & Queen Elizabeth I College and wants to eventually work in medicine.
"I had to go to London for iodine treatment which effectively made me radioactive, so I wasn't allowed any cutlery and I had to destroy all my clothes afterwards.
"Even when I went home, I had to sit in my bedroom for three weeks and not get too near to people.
"Finding out I had to go through all that a second time was a real blow, but I'd done it once so I knew I could do it again.
"That course of treatment made me very tired but it was good that it started the day after my first Race for Life. I wanted to take part to give something back because research is so vital. Without it I may not have survived.
"It was lovely to see so many people coming together and makes you realise just how many people are affected by cancer. That's why I want to encourage anyone who can to join me."
Every hour, about three people are diagnosed with cancer in the East Midlands.
Katie Martin, Cancer Research UK's Leicestershire events manager, said: "It doesn't matter how fit or fast you are. Taking part is about joining together against a disease that affects all of us."
To enter, call 0845 600 6050 or visit: raceforlife.cancerresearchuk
See Race for Life Pictures from last year's event in Western Park
Race for life Western Park Sunday, September 23, 2013
Comments