AN AUNT is running a virtual marathon to raise money to support her 10-year-old niece who has had a cancer relapse.

Sue O’Shaughnessy and her husband Si will be running the virtual London Marathon in a bid to fundraise for Children with Cancer UK.

The pair were inspired to take part after Sue’s niece, Torri Stranger, was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphocytic leukaemia when she was seven.

The young girl had an operation to remove an abscess from her leg and spent her 8th and 9th birthdays under general anaesthetic and spent a lot of time in a wheelchair in between.

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Torri had her final lumbar puncture on Thursday and was due to take her last dose of chemotherapy on Sunday night. However, the family have just been told the devastating news that Torri has relapsed.

Sue, aged 38, from Pershore, said: “Life can be outstandingly cruel.

“Literally just before Torri was due to take her last dose of chemo, Natalie [Torri’s mum] received a phone call from the hospital.

“The results from Thursday’s lumbar puncture have confirmed that Torri has indeed relapsed.”

The heartbroken aunt added: “There’s nothing I can do to take away the pain and devastation that comes from getting so close to ringing the end of treatment bell only for it to be snatched away again at the very last second. I

“I don’t know whether it would actually have been worse if Torri had finished treatment but relapsed again a few months down the road.

“No child should have to go through this twice.

“Torri’s fight is far from over and we are not giving up fundraising until she rings that end of treatment bell.”

Sue and Si be travelling to Dorset on October 4 to join the rest of “Team Torri” for the virtual marathon.

Sue added: “For Si this is going to be a massive challenge as he has not been able to run for a long time due to injury and acid reflux.”

So far, £1,145 has been raised for the children's cancer charity.

To donate, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Si-and-Sue-OShaughnessy