Tumour girl hails 'epic' Torch run (From South Wales Argus)

Tumour girl hails 'epic' Torch run

3:05pm Wednesday 27th June 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

A 15-year-old girl who was left unable to speak or walk after she suffered a brain tumour has described carrying the Olympic Torch as "epic".

Starr Halley was diagnosed with a malignant tumour in 2009 and underwent major brain surgery, aged just 12.

As it had spread to the front of her brain, it was not possible to remove it by surgery alone and she was left unable to speak or walk.

Slowly she began to speak a little but had to have physiotherapy to learn to crawl and then later, to walk.

Starr was given intense chemotherapy and radiotherapy and after having been told that it would be at least six months before she would be able to walk again, within six weeks, she did a 5K run for charity.

She continued her amazing journey as she proudly carried the Olympic Torch through Skegness, cheered on by hundreds of people.

After finishing her run on the beach, where she was met by a group of donkeys, Starr said: "It was epic, just amazing. I was so nervous but once you've got it in your hand it was like yeah, you've just got to do it."

The Torch set off on day 40 of the relay from Grimsby, North East Lincs, after a torchbearer abseiled down the town's Dock Tower with it.

Alan Ellinson, 55, of Stockport, who has raised more than £12 million for charity through abseiling and zip wire events, kicked off the day's proceedings.

After leaving Skegness the Torch will make its way to Lincoln Cathedral, taking in places such as Wainfleet All Saints, Boston and Sleaford on the way.