VIDEO: Lewes Mum runs marathon for charity
WHEN a young Lewes leukaemia sufferer Elsa Rodger was asked what she wanted to do when she grew up she answered: "I just want to be Elsa again."
That's the moving ambition of a four-year-old who is faring well after a gruelling two-year chemotheraphy regime.
Elsa from Gundreda Road celebrated her fourth birthday yesterday (January 28.)
Now her mum, Fran Witt, 44 is training to run the Virgin London Marathon for CLIC Sargent, the charity which has supported Elsa and her family through two tough years.
Fran told the Express: "Elsa came home from toddler's gym two years ago and had a fever and a lot of leg pain.
"We thought she had hurt herself by jumping off the equipment but when she felt no better we took her to our GP who referred her to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Brighton.
"They diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and she was admitted to the Royal Marsden Hospital for an intensive three-and-a-half week chemo treatment.
"It was all pretty traumatising."
She was then referred back to the Royal Alexandra for follow-up treatment and care.
Now CLIC Sargent nurse Ann visits Elsa every week as her chemotherapy treatment continues, saving the family the stress of travelling to hospital for routine treatments and tests.
Fran said: "Ann's absolutely brilliant - this saves Elsa going into hospital and is much nicer for her. Fortunately she seems to be doing really well."
Fran used to jog but decided to fine-tune her fitness by taking part in the London Marathon and help raise money for the charity.
She went on: "Elsa's experience inspired me.
"I am increasing my distances and run along the top of the Downs when I can.
"It's gorgeous. I did 12 miles last weekend."
She doesn't expect all her supporters to be quite so energetic and to help them dig deep in their pockets she's organised a restaurant fundraising evening at Famiglia Lazzati, the family Italian restaurant in Market Street from 5pm on February 15.
Anyone can go along but she says it's a good idea to book.
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/FranWitt
Before Elsa's illness, Fran worked for charities Christian Aid and Oxfam.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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