BILLIONAIRE Boy actress Mared Lewis is set to run the London Marathon to raise funds in the fight against bone cancer.
The West End star, from South Wales, has set her sights on completing the 26.2-mile route in support of Liberty’s Legacy – a Special Fund of the Bone Cancer Research Trust.
Mared is running the marathon in memory of Eve Lyons, who died from Ewing sarcoma – a type of primary bone cancer – in June 2017.
Since then, Mared has supported Liberty’s Legacy, which fundraises for research into Ewing sarcoma in memory of Liberty Schurer, who also lost her life to the disease.
Mared said: "The Lyons family and their very special angel Eve Lyons, and Liberty and the legacy she has left behind, is the reason I am running the London Marathon to try and help others who battle this way every day.
"Two weeks before Eve passed away, she drew a picture of a sun with the words ‘keep smiling’ written underneath, which highlights the bravery of a little girl fighting for her life.
"It is a reminder to us all to keep smiling and do our bit to help.”
Laura Riach, Head of Fundraising and Communications at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Mared and all of her wonderful supporters for their efforts. The funds raised will be put to good use to ensure that fewer patients like Eve and Liberty suffer at the hands of this cruel disease.”
Liberty Schurer was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma on her 13th birthday in September 2016.
She suffered with pain in her left leg for over 20 months, which doctors dismissed as growing pains and sporting injuries. At the point of diagnosis, Liberty’s tumour was nearly 20cm in length and had burst through her bone into the surrounding tissue.
Despite gruelling limb-salvage surgery and chemotherapy, Liberty remained positive throughout, and her love of sport and dance continued.
Days before the end of her treatment, Liberty discovered a new lump in her thigh. Emergency scans showed that the cancer had returned and spread throughout Liberty’s body. She died on October 11 2017.
Alongside Mared, Eve’s sister, Meg Lyons, is also taking on the London Marathon for Liberty’s Legacy.
To support Mared, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/mared-hedd-williams-1695913345900
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