ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2009, four-year-old Charlotte Crowson returned home from school complaining of a sore ankle.
A seemingly innocent swelling rapidly became worse and Charlotte was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma – an aggressive and extremely rare form of bone cancer.
She underwent six months of chemotherapy – 12 hours per day, three days per week, every three weeks for six months; a bone marrow transplant; six weeks in an isolation unit; and eventually a lower leg amputation.
But Charlotte, from Appleton near Warrington, battled through and now her aunt, Edel Magee from Reigate, is running as part of an 18-person team in the Run Reigate Half Marathon on Sunday to help raise money for a new prosthetic.
In a letter to the Mirror, Mrs Magee, 40, said: "Charlotte dreams of being a Paralympic athlete and we are running to raise money for a new prosthetic leg which will help her to achieve her dream and support her in daily activities we take for granted.
"[Prosthetic legs] are expensive and need to be changed as often as a child needs new shoes, so the target of £100,000 is steep. So far £30,000 has been raised."
At the moment Charlotte has a basic prosthetic leg, but fundraising from the race will support the purchase of a more sophisticated leg, one with moveable joints and an outer surface which better resembles skin.
Mrs Magee, of Alders Way, will join first-timers and seasoned athletes on Sunday as they tackle the 13.1 mile Run Reigate course, starting and finishing in Priory Park.
Race organisers have said around 10,000 people are expected to turn out on the day to enjoy a Fitness and Food Festival while the run takes place.
The race is the biggest running sporting event Reigate has ever hosted.
Mrs Magee told the Mirror: "Charlotte is the most amazing, inspirational child. She's amazingly positive and despite all that she's been through she still has a smile on her face."
To make a donation go to www.charlottestrust.co.uk. Cash and cheques can also be given to runners directly or sent to Edel Magee at Alderley House, Alders Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0EA.
Patrick Evans Foundation (PEF) Champions team
MORE than 40 friends and family members have teamed up to run in memory of a man from Reigate.
Patrick Evans died in a skiing accident in 2009, aged 21.
Now the Patrick Evans Foundation (PEF) Champions team, which includes Patrick's dad, brother and sister, is aiming to raise awareness for the PEF, which was set up by Patrick's family after his death.
The foundation supports people with serious illnesses or injuries, and their friends and families.
Louise Evans, a trustee for the PEF, said: "Patrick lived by his life motto of carpe diem ["seize the day"] and it is this legacy that has inspired so many of his friends and family to take on this challenge."
Tackling
Many of the team's runners are tackling a half marathon for the first time.
While the main aim is to raise awareness of the foundation, the team is also trying to raise as much money as possible. To donate, go to www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/PEFchampions
Andrews Estate Agents
A TEAM of 21 employees from Andrews Estate Agents are gearing up for the half marathon.
Staff members from branches in Redhill and Horley will be running in aid of Box Up Crime, a relatively new charity which has been set up to help prevent young people from getting involved in crime by taking up boxing in a safe and secure environment.
Michael Robson, chief executive of Andrews, said: "Every member of our staff is encouraged to give something back to their local communities and this team really related to what Box Up Crime was doing, so it made sense for them to compete in aid of their work.
"Special thanks should be extended to Agents Giving, an industry charity supported by Rightmove, as they have provided us with a grant of £915 to cover our race entry fees. Of course, I'd also like to wish all those running from Andrews all the very best."
Concept Financial Planning
CONCEPT Financial Planning, a Reigate business based in Church Street, will have a team running on Sunday for charity.
The pensions advice firm is raising money for two organisations.
Loveworks, a Reigate charity helps people in need, and Special Olympics Eastbourne, provides many sporting opportunities to help the physically impaired.
To support Team Concept, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/concept3
