SOUTHPORT
17 October 2018
Vol 25 l Issue 42
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HOLLY DANCING WITH DELIGHT!
INSIDE THIS WEEK...
Student who beat leukaemia is the face of national Stand Up To Cancer campaign
Holly Allen - standing up to cancer
A TALENTED dancer who beat leukaemia as a teenager is the star of an inspiring short film encouraging people to ‘Stand Up To Cancer’. Holly Allen, 21, from Southport, has joined forces with Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 to become the face of the joint fundraising campaign, which aims to accelerate new cancer treatments and tests for patients. Since its launch in 2012, Stand Up To Cancer has raised over £38 million to help speed up research and save more lives. By taking part in the film, Holly hopes to draw attention to the impact cancer research has had on her life and how it has given her more precious time to do the things that she loves. When Holly was first diagnosed with cancer at the age of 15, she was a talented dancer who trained for six days a week after school and won a place at a prestigious summer dance school in London. She was sent for tests when she began feeling tired all the time, weak and lost her appetite as well as suffering headaches and feeling breathless. She was sent for tests and was devastated to be told she had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Holly underwent two gruelling years of chemotherapy and was left needing crutches as she was too weak to even walk, let alone dance. But now, she has revealed in her video that she improved her strength by taking up weight training five days a week, as well as healthy eating, rock climbing and walking – and is reassuring others that they too can ‘bounce back’ after treatment. Holly attended Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School in Crosby and passed with three As and a B at A-level as well as winning the Student of the Year Award. She is now in her third year studying English at
Report by Danielle Thompson Nottingham University. Recalling her roller coaster journey through cancer treatment she said: “I was aware that the chemotherapy treatment could make my bones weak and the side-effects may not be temporary. I suffered tingling in my hands and feet and I needed to use crutches because my ankles were so weak. I was very sad, but determined to get back to fitness. “Cancer has had a huge impact on my life and I want to share my story to inspire other people going through a difficult time. I’m so grateful for my treatment and it is thanks to research I’m still standing, so I want to do everything I can to ensure no-one’s life is cut short by this devastating disease. “I stand up to cancer in my own way each and every day, at the gym or posting positive messages about training and healthy eating on Instagram. I'm happier than ever and finally have my confidence back. “That’s why I’m calling on everyone in Southport and across Merseyside to join me and Stand Up To Cancer. Research is cancer’s number one enemy so raising vital funds for this is a great way to get payback on the disease for all who have been affected.” Supporters can also aid the campaign by purchasing clothing and accessories for men, women and children available online at standuptocancer.org.uk and in Cancer Research UK shops. You can see Holly's video by searching for Holly's Story at youtube.com
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