A BRAVE Redditch youngster, who is battling cancer, has defied all odds and is lacing her trainers once again ready for the Race for Life run this weekend.
Last year, Maya Mason attended the race to watch her family compete in her honour – but instead of clapping from the sidelines – little Maya took off like a rocket and completed the course alongside her cousin.
Officials at Cancer Research UK were so impressed that they’ve invited her back to sound the starter horn from the stage as a VIP at Arrow Valley Park this Sunday.
Now aged six and 18 months into her ongoing treatment plan, Maya is determined to complete the course again but this time her mum and dad will both be by her side.
Dad Jordan said: “We couldn’t believe it when she took off last year – I ended up sprinting across the field with her. I kept asking if she wanted to stop but she insisted she wanted to keep going.
“She absolutely loved it and can’t wait to do it again this year so me, her mum Hollie and brother Theo have all signed up as well.
“We’re so proud of her and we want her to know we will always be there for her.”
Maya was diagnosed with a soft tissue cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma in January 2023 after experiencing tummy pains.
She began an intense course of chemotherapy as part of a Cancer Research UK funded clinical trial.
After her initial course of chemotherapy, Maya completed Race for Life alongside her cousin Marley.
The pair were hot on the heels of Maya’s brother Theo, her cousin Grace, her aunty Laura, and her nanny Julie – all racing with Maya’s name on their backs.
Birmingham is home to Cancer Research UK’s Children’s Cancer Trials Team, the only one of its kind in the UK. The team puts the city at the forefront of children’s cancer research and coordinates groundbreaking clinical trials in many centres across the UK.
Paula Young, spokesperson for Cancer Research UK in the West Midlands, said: “We’re thrilled that Maya will be our VIP starter this year and we’d like to thank her and her family from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us.
“Maya’s incredible story shows that, no matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for.
“That’s why we’d love as many people as possible across the region to join us at a Race for Life event.
“Walk, jog, run or take on the course however it suits best, there is an event for everyone.
“It’s a chance to feel the power of moving together with one united mission and to treasure that moment of crossing the finish line.”
Visit raceforlife.org to enter.
