I started running to help Leia - novice takes on Lytham Half Marathon for heartfelt cause

When Andrew Young and four pals run Lytham Half Marathon, they will have a special little girl on their minds.

The team are raising money for six-year-old Leia Whitaker who is battling neuroblastoma - to help her and her family through the toughest of times.

Leia, who lives in Garstang, was first diagnosed in July 2023 with stage 3 neuroblastoma. She went through intensive chemotherapty, radiotherapy and immunotherapy - as well as a major operation to remove a tumour on her kidney.

She was given the all clear in April 2025 but in October 2025, the family received the devastating blow that Leia had relapsed.

Now, Andrew, 29, and his friends are training hard for the run - something that Andrew has never done before.

He said: “I only started running when I decided to do this, I’ve got a running app but it has been difficult in this heat.

“I’m ok until 10k then it gets really tough but we are going to do it.”

When she relapsed, Leia started chemotherapy again but it wasn’t having the effect doctors had hoped for so they have changed her treatment again in the hope of stopping the cancer’s progression.

Because of where the growths are located, Leia has also needed a nephrostomy and an ascitic drain to help relieve the symptoms they were causing.

She is still undergoing chemotherapy and is waiting for a scan at the end of March to determine whether this new treatment is working

“Despite everything she has been through Leia continues to show incredible strength and bravery throughout her treatment and the many hospital stays she has faced, “said

“We are all hoping for the best but the future is still uncertain. By running the Lytham Half Marathon for Leia we want to show our support for her and her family and help in any way we can.”

The team have set a target of £5,000. If you would like to donate, click on this Go Fund Me link