Cancer Research UKA young woman from Glasgow saved from a rare cancer after a stem cell transplant has led an inspirational night time walk through her home city.
Grace Callaghan, 21, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when she was 16 after discovering a lump on her stomach.
She had surgery three times and chemotherapy treatment over several years before getting the all clear.
Grace, from Cathcart, was guest of honour at Cancer Research UK’s Shine Night Walk and sounded the horn at the SEC on Saturday to send more than 1,740 participants on the half marathon and 10k courses.
She said: “I’m proud to be at Shine to cheer everyone on.
“Cancer changed everything for me. It came into my life at just 16, created chaos, scared me so much and left me with side effects.
“I had to grow up quickly and it felt like there was no room left for me to be an ordinary teenager anymore.
Cancer Research UK“It opened my eyes up to a lot of things in the world but it also made me realise how strong I truly was.
“I hope by sharing my story I can support those going through the disease right now. To know that I’ve made a difference and helped in some way would feel magical.”
The crowds passed landmarks including Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, The Mitchell Library, the Duke of Wellington statue at the Gallery of Modern Art and the Donald Dewar statue on Buchanan Street.
More than £176,000 was raised, vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease.
Lisa Adams from Cancer Research, said: “We are incredibly grateful to all who took part in Shine Night Walk Glasgow.
“It’s thanks to our supporters that we’ve helped double cancer survival in the UK, over the past 50 years.
“But with nearly 1 in 2 people set to be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime, there’s so much more to do.
“Every step taken at Shine Night Walk helps create a brighter future – one where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”
The next Shine Night Walk is in Edinburgh on September 12.
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