Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Cancer survivor Amy will front the Race for Life
Youngster meets Scots Commonwealth stars
A brave Coatbridge youngster who will lead the Glasgow Race for Life this year received some VIP treatment from Scottish sporting stars in preparation for her big day.
Amy Reid, nine, who lost a kidney to cancer, was delighted to meet the netball players who will compete at next week’s Commonwealth Games before they jetted off to Australia.
The Scots squad gave the St Timothy’s Primary pupil some signed goodies and match tickets, as well as a VIP tour of the Emirates Arena, ahead of the big race in May.
Amy underwent a life-saving stem cell transplant and knows exactly how tough it can be going through cancer – and how important the Race for Life is.
She was only three when she first fell ill in September 2012, just hours after her mum and dad’s wedding day.
The family were about to jet off on holiday to Spain after the marriage at St James’ Church.
Instead they ended up at Wishaw General Hospital and then Yorkhill Children’s Hospital after Amy’s condition rapidly deteriorated.
Scans showed a tumour on her left kidney was stopping it from working properly.
The tot was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour and endured a six- hour operation to remove the kidney.
Amy started on chemotherapy but it was a hammer blow when tests revealed there was also a tumour on her lung.
It meant a second operation to remove the tumour – followed by a year of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
By October 2013, doctors explained that Amy’s best chance of survival was a stem cell transplant, and by Christmas that year the family got the best present of all when doctors revealed the cancer had gone.
Amy’s grateful family have completed Race for Life Glasgow every year since she was diagnosed with the disease.
This year Amy will take her place on the starting line along with her mum Laura, 39, and two- year- old sister Sophie.
Laura said: “As I took Amy down to the operating theatre I was trying to stop myself crying to keep Amy calm so she would be okay.
“I knew Amy was getting the best care possible but seeing your child like that is so difficult.
“If I could have taken Amy’s place then I would have. I paced around outside until she came out of surgery and I knew she was fine.
“Now she tells everyone that the scar where they took her kidney out is a big snake.”
The proud mum continued: “Amy really is our superhero.
“She has kept us strong through it all. At the time we couldn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel.
“We thought Amy was never going to get through this.
“Now looking at her, I can’t believe she was ever so ill. Her recovery has been amazing.”
Amy took part in her first Race for Life 5K event while still going through treatment and Laura admits the event is a huge part of the family’s life.
She added: “If Amy’s story can help other families going through cancer right now, then we’ll have made a difference.
“We’d like to thank all the Scottish Thistles who helped give Amy such a special day. Amy really likes sport now.
“She loves swimming, cricket and football at school. When we watch the Commonwealth Games on TV we’ll be looking out for the netball girls and saying, ‘We’ve met them.’
“It’s great to see Amy being so active again and enjoying life.”
Scotland team captain Claire Brownie also heaped praise on the Monklands kid, saying: “We were all moved and inspired by Amy’s courage and bravery.
“Amy will be the team’s lucky charm in Australia.”
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman in Scotland, added: “We are very grateful to Netball Scotland and to Amy’s family for their support.”
To find out more about Race for Life visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.
If I could have taken Amy’s place then I would have