A Radcliffe mum who lost eight stone will be running a half marathon for her friend’s daughter who has battled two cancers.
Jenny Toole, 32, who is a full-time carer to her son Kristian Ince aged seven, weighed 21 stone when she was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia just before Christmas 2022.
After this diagnosis, Jenny realised that she needed to lose weight once and for all for her own health and for her son.
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She said: “I didn’t follow a specific diet plan but simply cut out loads of things, eat a high protein diet and keep a close eye on calories, carbs and fats.
“In April 2023 I started running and joined a gym, where I have a fantastic personal trainer. I decided to sign up to the Bury 10K to give me more motivation but also to help Elizabeth, who is an amazing child.
“No one should have to go through everything she’s gone through, especially at such a young age. She’s the bravest child I’ve ever met.”
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Elizabeth Grundy aged seven from Wythenshawe is believed to be only one of four children ever worldwide to have been diagnosed both neuroblastoma and acute lymphoblastic (ALL) leukaemia.
She was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma at just ten-days-old and underwent chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell harvesting, seven operations and countless transfusions before she was 18 months old.
Whilst going through this, Elizabeth also endured meningitis, sepsis and was left deaf in both ears.
Heartbreakingly, in May 2022, Elizabeth was dealt with a further blow when she developed a limp and was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Now a wheelchair-user, Elizabeth is in the maintenance phase of the illness and her family hope she will be given the all-clear at the end of this year.
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However, with neuroblastoma having an 80 per cent chance of relapse and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia around a 10 to 15 per cent chance, her family are raising funds to allow Elizabeth to take part in a trial which could help prevent this.
Her mum, Chelsea Carter, 39, said: “Initially we thought we needed to raise £127,000 for treatment in America.
“It’s now possible that there will be a UK trial, though it’s not definite and even if it happens, there will still be costs involved.
“Elizabeth has a lot to deal with but she’s also a superhero who loves swimming, drawing and being outside, and we want to give her the best chance possible.”
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Jenny has currently done more than eight 10k races and the Manchester half marathon will be her tenth race in support of Elizabeth.
Elizabeth’s family is being supported by children’s charity Tree of Hope which helps families fundraise for children like Elizabeth with healthcare needs where the NHS can’t support and provides charity status to benefit from gift aid, corporate support whilst also providing donor reassurance.
Tree of Hope CEO Becky Andrew said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Carter family with their fundraising and wish Jenny the best of luck with the Great Manchester Run.”
To donate to Elizabeth’s fund, visit https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/ways-to-give/childrens-campaigns/elizabeth-grundy/.
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