A woman who survived childhood cancer is calling for people to join the fight against the disease.

Elly Hegarty, from Ramsgate, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when she was just four years old.

The 22-year-old missed nursery and two years of schools while she underwent chemotherapy treatment, but fought back and is now fit and well.

Elly is eager to let youngsters going through treatment now know that there is a life after cancer.

She said: “I remember well what it felt like when I was four – I was weak and sick, irritable, lifeless and scared.

“But thanks to the treatment I had, I gradually got better and stronger.

“Now I feel the time is right for me to tell children who are going through treatment at the moment that is it possible to come through it and lead a normal life.

"I still have regular check-ups and blood tests and I take medication daily, but that’s nothing compared to all I went through – and it was worth it for where I am now.”

And now Elly is involved with Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

She will be guest of honour at the Margate fundraiser on July 15.

This year, there are three options, a 5k, 10k and a new half marathon.

Elly will speak from the stage and start the participants off.

She is requesting other women and girls join the fight against cancer by signing up at www.raceforlife.org

Sarah-Jane Winding, Cancer Research UK’s event manager for Kent, said: “We’re very grateful to Elly for her support.

“By signing up to Race for Life, women can make a real difference in the fight against cancer.

“Money raised will help Cancer Research UK scientists and doctors find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease, helping save more lives.”