06 December 2023 , 18:44
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It has been a tough year for Maya Tohid and her family.
Diagnosed with a brain tumour this summer, the 12-year-old has endured two major operations and just finished intense radiotherapy. But throughout the tests, surgeries and hospital visits, Maya says Young Lives vs Cancer has been her rock. To say thank you, she embarked on a remarkable challenge – running 100km in a month and raising more than £10,000.
“The radiotherapy treatment comes with a lot of side effects,” Maya says. “So to take my mind off treatment and to help other people, I thought I’d try to run 100km.”
Maya – who says she hates running – started clocking up the kilometres on the streets around her home in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
Mahta Mohseni, pictured with her family, spoke after Maya's five-week-long migraine was a sign of her cancer (Mahta Mohseni / SWNS)
Maya was diagnosed with Craniopharyngioma - a rare tumour that mainly affects children and young people (Mahta Mohseni / SWNS)She launched the challenge in September, to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Week, joined by neighbours and sister Isla, seven. Just before the end of the month, Maya became unwell – so her dad Reza, 47, stepped in and finished the last few kilometres in her honour.
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The family are now supporting the Daily Mirror’s Christmas Appeal to raise more funds for the charity, previously known as Clic Sargent. Maya says: “I really appreciate what Young Lives vs Cancer has done. It feels like they’ve really got to know me and tried to make me happy.”
She has already appeared on BBC Radio Manchester and spoken in front of 750 guests at the charity’s Christmas concert. And with active treatment over, Maya and her family are looking forward to spending a peaceful Christmas together.
Mum Mahta, 42, says: “Young Lives vs Cancer have been amazing. They’ve been there for us through these hard times. We hope people donate lots more so they can help even more people when they need it.”