AN inspiring Warrington teenager is taking on a challenge in honour of her mum and boyfriend who have both been diagnosed with cancer.
Following misdiagnosis and NHS delays, Evie McCoy’s mum Vickie was diagnosed with a very rare, 16cm clear cell carcinoma mass to the abdomen of unknown origin.
This led to the 40-year-old underdoing a triple surgery to remove her reproductive system, the tumour, and her stomach muscles.
In December, Vickie, from Latchford, had a CT scan to check on the healing from her surgery. Here, she was told the devastating news that the cancer had spread to her lymphatic system.
The mum-of-two has now been diagnosed with stage 4 life-limiting cancer and has started chemotherapy in the hopes of stunting or slowing down the spread.
Also in December, Evie’s boyfriend James Carr was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma in his left thigh. The 15-year-old is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
“We should have just been worrying about our GCSEs and what to wear for prom this year, but I guess our last year of high school will be a bit different for us,” Evie, a Bridgewater High School pupil, said.
Besides supporting her mum and James on a daily basis, Evie wanted to go that extra mile to show her support.
Vickie’s best friend Kate Storah had already decided to take part in the 10k Race for Life at Victoria Park in June.
This was due to her feeling ‘helpless’ and wanting to help her best friend.
Following the race on this day, Kate and Eve will then take on the Pretty Muddy 5k event together in the afternoon.
Evie added: “All I can do to help my mum and James is just love and support them -and I do, with my whole self.
“But I can hopefully help anyone else who may find themselves in this situation in the future.
“If you can, please sponsor us. This can really help improve people's lives whilst dealing with this awful disease.
“It was never really real and was always something sad which only happened to others.
“Now it's become a real reality for us, for me, we're living it and trying to live our lives at the same time.”
So far, the duo has raised an incredible £3,000 in just over a month.
Kate said: “These donations mean the world to all of us.
“We don't need spurring on because Vickie and James are the best motivation there is.
“But the difference that this money could make is amazing.
“To watch the people you love go through something so hard is awful.
“To know they are living through it is worse.
“Every penny and pound could make all the difference.”
To donate to Evie's fundraiser, visit: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/vickies-race-for-life-2302
To donate to Kate's fundraiser, visit: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/kates-race-for-life-327471256
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