Amazing Grace launches Race for Life

This was the second year the plucky seven-year-old from Grangemouth had been chosen to start the annual 5k fundraiser event for Cancer Research UK in Callendar Park.

She was joined by around 1200 females of all ages, most sporting Race for Life’s trademark pink.

In February 2014 Grace was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma after doctors discovered a tumour in her right arm.

Parents Janet (30) and Mark (38) waited anxiously as their daughter endured a ten-hour operation to remove it at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow.

Almost a year of chemotherapy followed and the courage shown by Grace, a pupil at Moray Primary School, inspired her family and friends to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

A few weeks ago she had to endure major surgery after her left arm, weakened by chemotherapy, snapped in three places.

Addressing the crowd before the start, mum Janet said: “I’m so proud of my amazing Grace. Everyone who has followed her journey can see how far she’s come in the last year and how hard she’s battled to beat cancer.”

First over the finishing line in the 5k was Eleanor Hanson (16), of Wallace High in Stirling, who completed the course in 19 minutes and 15 seconds.

Angela Wilson, Race for Life Falkirk event manager, said: “The support people across Falkirk and Grangemouth have shown is absolutely tremendous and we are thrilled so many women took part.”