Brave Fife youngster Noah Duncan, who has survived a rare type of eye cancer, is telling the disease exactly what he thinks of it.
It’s all to get more people to sign up to this year’s Race for Life.
The determined Rosyth youngster, who will take part in the Kirkcaldy event with his sister Hannah, 6, and their mum Brenda, has had the gutsy message “Beat it cancer” painted on his arms to capture the fighting spirit of events throughout Scotland.
Brenda, 38, said: “As a family we feel really strongly about doing what we can to help Cancer Research UK scientists to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
“This is why Noah and Hannah have the words painted on them, to show we are literally arming ourselves against this awful disease and that we’re part of the huge, united force that is determined to defeat it.”
Around three people are diagnosed with cancer every hour in Scotland. So, women and girls are needed to join together as a formidable army and take on cancer at events in Fife this summer. Like Noah, boys aged 12 and under are also invited to take part with their mums.
Noah, 10, a Kings Road Primary School pupil, was diagnosed with orbital rhabdomyosarcoma in 2009.
At the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, tests revealed he had a tumour the size of a marble behind his left eye and he was given chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the next seven months. A
After it reoccurred in 2012, Noah lost his left eye after what was a lifesaving operation. Brenda said her son, who was guest of honour and started last year’s Kirkcaldy event, was excited about taking on the 5K course this year.
“Starting the race last year was brilliant and Noah really enjoyed being up on the stage and pressing the air horn to get everyone going. But he’s even more excited to be part of the gang this year and he’s already started training.
“This has been a difficult year for the whole family and it has taken Noah a long while to get used to losing his eye. But Noah has been incredibly brave and has been going from strength to strength. To see him being able to run around and play and enjoy himself like any normal little boy is brilliant.
“Noah got a real sense of ‘we’re all in this together’ at last year’s Race for Life and I know this year he’ll be desperate to complete the 5K Race for Life course as quickly as he possible can.”
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is a women-only series of events that raises millions to fund lifesaving research.
Last year more than 2,100 women took part in Fife, raising £127,500.
It is non-competitive and not about being fit or fast. Most women are able to walk 5K in an hour while chatting and having fun or they can choose to jog, run or dance around the course.
Cancer Research UK’s events manager in Fife Hamish Moir said: “It’s brilliant having Noah on board again this year and I’m sure his positive energy will really inspire all the ladies who have signed up.”
For details on the race call 0845 600 6050.