Brave girl starts cancer runners

Kirsty was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

A five-year-old girl who survived Leukaemia has sounded the starting horn for runners in this year's Cancer Research Race for Life in Newcastle.

Kirsty Foster, of Ashington, set 2,235 women on their way on the 5km (3.1m) route on Sunday morning.

The youngster, who ended treatment last year, also took part in the race with her mother Alison Peart, 37.

A further 2,225 female runners set off on the route in the afternoon. Organisers hope to raise £240,000.

Ms Peart said: "I'm really delighted that Kirsty is starting Race for Life, with help from her big sister Chloe.

"Taking part in the race is a great way for us to thank the doctors and nurses who treated Kirsty.

"It was the worst time of our lives and we would never have got through it without their support."

Kirsty was two-years-old when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in May 2005.

She was treated with chemotherapy and had longs spells in the city's Royal Victoria Infirmary. Last April she developed a very serious infection which nearly killed her.

Her treatment ended in August last year but she still has to go to hospital regularly for check-ups and treatment for mobility problems.