Teenager leading a national sporting challenge from her Lancashire garden

When Alyssa Davies fell poorly doctors initially thought she had tonsillitis or mumps.

But a mother’s instinct feared it might be something more serious and when symptoms persisted mum Angela insisted on taking her back to her GP.

The 13-year-old had been suffering from extreme fatigue, swollen eyelids and backache. Alyssa was eventually referred to Preston Royal Hospital where doctors immediately suspected leukaemia.

She needed a platelet transfusion before being transferred to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital where a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was confirmed and she spent the next four weeks receiving intense chemotherapy treatment.

Angela, of Wrea Green, stopped her work as an accounts clerk to be with Alyssa full time at hospital while the youngster’s dad Michael also took off time off work initially and then continued to work with both sets of grandparents pitching in to look after Ayssa’s sister Lauren.

This was back in 2014 and Alyssa, who lost her beautiful long hair due to the chemotherapy, amazed everyone with her “get on with it” attitude and made her parents incredibly proud. Even in the darkest of days, she continued to attend school as often as possible.

Following the intense bout of chemotherapy, Alyssa continued to receive “maintenance” treatment for 18 months and although she still has regular check-ups, she is fit and well and enjoying life at Kirkham Grammar School.

Now the Davies family are adding a new activity to their home-school timetable and want to encourage other children everywhere to join them.

Posing with their eggs and spoons at the ready, Alyssa and 11-year-old Lauren are helping to launch Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life Schools free resource kit full of tips, ideas and materials for holding a DIY sports day.

The siblings are encouraging families to compete against each other in a range of traditional events in their back garden, such as a home-made obstacle course, three-legged race or the egg and spoon.

Along with Angela and Michael, Alyssa and Lauren are calling on families across Lancashire to get involved and make a small donation to Cancer Research UK for the sports day pack, if they feel able to do so.

Mum Angela, aged 48, said: “After everything Alyssa went through when she was poorly, it remains incredibly important to us to support Cancer Research UK’s work. Without research, Alyssa’s outcome might have been very different.

“So many families like ours are affected by cancer, so I hope others will help the cause. Charities like Cancer Research UK will be hit hard by the current situation, but we can all play a part – no matter how big or small – in supporting life-saving work right now.”

The Race for Life Schools sports day pack is aimed at primary school children. It is suitable for families and teachers who might be setting activities for PE lessons at home or caring for children in school.

As well as familiar favourites like the sack race, it contains a host of indoor and outdoor ideas ranging from carpet bowls, limbo and target throws to scavenger hunts and ten pin bowling - which can all be staged with equipment found at home or school.

The guide, which is sponsored by Nivea Sun, also features top tips to help children stay safe in the sun. Alyssa said: “It was hard for all the family when I was so poorly. But now I want to make sure nobody else has to go through such tough treatment in the future.

“We are always keen to support Cancer Research UK as research is the key to making a difference against the disease. Me and my sister Lauren had great fun taking part in our mini sports day. We hope that as many families from Lancashire as possible will join in and hold their own sports day in the garden. Even the smallest donation towards the charity helps.”

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK spokesman for Lancashire, said: “We’re grateful for the generous support of our schools’ community who normally organise or take part in Race for Life events every summer.

“So, at a time when we’re all having to keep apart, our message to parents and teachers is – we’re in this together. It’s such an unsettling time for us all, but especially for children whose lives revolve around familiar routines and calendar dates.

“We hope our sports day pack will go some way to ensuring that they don’t miss out on such an important milestone in the school year. Come rain or shine, garden or not – we’ve got lots of inspiration for activities that will help to lift lockdown spirits and get children moving.”

Organisers are inviting supporters to unite by sharing photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #RFLSportsDay.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of events which raises millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer.

Last year, the charity was able to spend more than £30 million in the North West on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.

Jane said: “With around five people diagnosed with cancer every hour in the region, we remain tirelessly committed to making progress for people affected by the disease.

“We appreciate that the current situation has resulted in financial uncertainty for many, but there is the opportunity to make a small donation for the pack if people feel able to do so. Now more than ever, support from the public is vital to help continue our mission.”

To get involved visit raceforlife.org/sportsday.