Uploders teenager in Great South Run (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Uploders teenager in Great South Run

3:30pm Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News By James Tourgout

TEENAGER Hannah Foote is stepping out on the Great South Run to help other young people go sailing with yachting legend Dame Ellen MacArthur.

The 17-year-old sixth former will be tackling the race in Portsmouth at the end of October with her dad Mark in aid of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.

Hannah, of Uploders, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma aged 13 and has gone sailing with the trust several times after going into remission.

Now she wants to help other young people benefit from the sailing trips run by the trust.

Hannah, who is studying psychology, maths and sociology at the Thomas Hardye School sixth form, said: “I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2007 aged 13 and had intensive chemotherapy at Southampton Hospital.

“After finishing treatment and finding out I was in remission I was offered to sail with the Ellen MacArthur Trust.

“I joined them for a four-day sailing trip. It gave me so much confidence after being so ill and it amazing to try out something completely different.”

She added: “Since that trip I have sailed with the trust twice and most recently did the Round the Island Race with Dame Ellen MacArthur.

“It was the most amazing experience and was nice to meet other people who had been through the same thing and make so many new friends.

“Aftewards I decided I wanted to do something to help other children who have experienced cancer.

“I decided to run the Great South Run with my dad to raise money so that many other children and teenagers can experience what I did and feel much more normal after intensive treatment.

“It’s great to be able to give something back to the trust, which does the most amazing work.”

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust takes young people aged between eight and 24 sailing to help them regain their confidence, on their way to recovery from cancer, leukaemia and other serious illnesses.

Hannah and her dad hope to raise at least £300 but want to get much more if they are able to.

Dame Ellen praised Hannah for her determination and wished her luck with the journey.

“It’s been brilliant to see Hannah sailing with the trust for the last three years and see how she’s progressed. “It's fantastic to hear that she’s now taking part in the Great South Run.

“Best of luck with it!”

Anyone who wants to donate to the cause can visit Hannah’s Just Giving page at just giving.com/hannah-foote1 or drop a donation into the Footeprints shop in East Street in Bridport .