We will be running the Lytham Half Marathon for Leia Whitaker, a brave 6-year-old girl who is currently going through treatment for relapsed neuroblastoma.

Leia was first diagnosed in July 2023 with stage 3 neuroblastoma. She went through intensive chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and major surgery to remove her tumour and her right kidney. After everything she endured Leia was given the all clear in April 2025.

Sadly just six months later in October 2025 Leia relapsed.

Since then she has started chemotherapy again but the initial treatment was not having the effect doctors hoped for on the tumour. Her doctors have since changed her chemotherapy and started radiotherapy straight away in the hope of stopping the cancer’s progression.

Because of where the growths are located Leia has 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.

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.