Madeleine’s message of hope
Eight-year-old cancer survivor sharing her story with runners at Race for Life
A YOUNG cancer survivor from Stoke-ontrent has been chosen as a voice of Race for Life events across the UK this year.
Eight-year-old Madeleine Cooper shares her story of going through stage 4 cancer as part of a new recorded montage to be played on stage at Cancer Research UK’S 450 Race for Life events – including Trentham Gardens on June 4.
Her inspirational words thanking supporters will be heard across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland before participants set off.
It is one of four new real-life cancer stories to be played on event day, which capture the emotion behind Race for Life and people’s motivations for taking part.
Madeleine and her family, from Meir Park, know exactly how vital it is to raise funds for life-saving research. The youngster was just four
when she was diagnosed with a stage 4 cancerous germ cell tumour on her coccyx.
GPS originally thought she was having night terrors after repeatedly waking up screaming in pain. After her cancer diagnosis she underwent various treatments including chemotherapy and in May 2020 had an operation to remove the tumour at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Mum Emma documented the family’s ordeal in a series of lockdown columns for The Sentinel.
She said: “Because of covid, only one parent was allowed to accompany Madeleine for the general anaesthetic, and she chose her dad. I remember crying in the toilet thinking I might never see her again.”
However, the operation was a success. The tumour mass had died and the cancer – which had spread to her lungs – had disappeared.
Madeleine – who continued to do gym classes on Zoom while in hospital having chemotherapy – is now a bright and bubbly little girl who loves gymnastics and has a passion for figure skating and playing the piano.
And that’s why Madeleine, Emma and dad Scott are urging people to visit sign up for this year’s event. Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancers – helping to save many more lives.
Emma said:
“I hope Madeleine’s story will connect with people in the moments before they set off on the Race for Life course. It’s a privilege to have the chance to thank the amazing people fundraising to support life-saving research.”