SEVEN-year-old cancer survivor Grace Elvidge will set the runners off at Tatton Park’s Race for Life on Sunday, June 23.

Grace, from Mobberley, was diagnosed with cancer as a baby, and will be the VIP guest at the Cancer Research UK event.

She will ring the starter bell before taking part in the 5K with her mum Alex.

At 11 weeks old Grace was diagnosed with an advanced form of leukaemia, and was placed in intensive care at Manchester Children’s Hospital, where she was baptised.

Her mum Alex said: “It was a complete shock when the doctor told us Grace had cancer.

“Things were very touch and go, and it was a really difficult time. I still get emotional thinking about it.

“When you’re a new mum you don’t imagine this sort of thing could happen to your little baby.”

Grace faced months of gruelling chemotherapy, had to be fed through a tube and was hooked to machines to help her breathe.

She was so poorly she spent much of the first year of her life in hospital.

Alex added: “Those first few weeks and months are a blur. What should have been the happiest time of our lives turned into one of the toughest times.”

Thankfully Grace’s story is one of survival. After successful treatment her cancer is in remission, and she is a healthy, happy and sporty seven-year-old.

Alex, 39, said: “I’m so proud of Grace. She’s grown up to be a lovely little girl who is confident, kind and a bundle of joy. She loves taking part in activities at school, especially dance classes.

“We are extremely grateful for the medical treatment and scientific research that has helped her get this far.

“Because of our experience Cancer Research UK is a charity which is very close to our hearts, and Grace is excited to be starting the event at this year’s Race for Life.”

The Elvidge family now wants to encourage other men, women and children to join them by registering at raceforlife.org.

This year the Race for Life events, which were women-only, are open to everyone, including lads, dads and granddads.

Alex, who is a business manager, said: “I’m urging people to show their support and join the Race for Life because every participant can help make a real difference.

“I’m determined to do all I can to raise money for life-saving research to help more men, women and children like Grace survive.

“It will be very emotional taking part with Grace and seeing other families and friends taking part together.”

Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds to help beat cancer by funding research.

Anna Taylor, Cancer Research UK’s north west spokesman, said: “We are very grateful to the Elvidge family for their support.

“By following their lead, and joining the Race for Life, people can make a real difference in the fight against cancer.”