East Yorkshire woman 10 years cancer-free after frightening diagnosis as a teenager

An East Yorkshire woman is undertaking gruelling sports challenges and fundraising events in honour of being ten years cancer-free and hopes to raise £10,000 for charity.

Emilie Heald, now 28, was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Ewing's Sarcoma at the age of 17. Over the course of 18 months, Emilie underwent intensive treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and stem cell harvest.

Emilie also endured more than 10 operations. One of these included the removal of half her sacrum, the large flat bone in the lower part of the spine, where the tumour was located which has left her in chronic pain.

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On her fundraising page, Emilie said: "It was an extremely dark and scary time, but I am so lucky to say that in December this year, I will be 10 years cancer free. This feels like a huge milestone, and I can’t help but reflect on all the wonderful organisations that helped to make life that little bit more bearable during those long 18 months.

"It’s heartbreaking that others will have to go through what I endured which is why I am so passionate to give back to the charities that hold a special place in my heart. They need vital funds so that others can benefit like I did and continue doing amazing work with children and young people battling a cancer diagnosis."

Now a final-year university student studying psychology, Emilie also works as an executive assistant in her family's East Yorkshire-based manufacturing business, Heald. Emilie's parents Rod and Debbie, who are the directors of Heald, previously cycled all the way to Paris to raise money for cancer charities.

At the time, they said they feared Emilie would never walk again after having surgery on her spine. Incredibly, despite having part of her spine removed and suffering chronic pain, Emilie has managed to lead an active life.

Emilie said: “I appreciate everyone so much for choosing to support me and continuing to support me. My goal for these challenges is to raise as much awareness, money and support for the charities that help young people battling cancer as possible. It’s a very scary, lonely, and isolating place, and these charities were pivotal in making me feel happy and loved throughout my treatment and recovery.

“Some of my closest friends and relatives have already committed to join me in these challenges, while others are organising their own events to support these incredible charities alongside me. After being in this life-changing position myself, I just want to help as many children and young people as possible on their cancer journey.”

Marking 10 years cancer-free in December 2024, the 10 activities will raise vital funds and support the charities that helped make Emilie’s cancer journey more bearable. The charities include The Little Princess Trust, Teenage Cancer Trust, Make-A-Wish, Bone Cancer Research Trust, Young Lives vs Cancer, Cancer Research UK, Ward 94 (St James Hospital, Leeds), and The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham.

The 10 challenges and events are:

1. Great Manchester Run (10K)

2. Yorkshire 3 Peaks

3. Belvoir Castle Triathlon

4. Coast 2 Coast Cycle

5. Great North Run (Half Marathon)

6. Ongoing Cancer Research charity shop drive

7. Ongoing blood/Platelet drive

8. Charity Netball Tournament Manchester

9. Charity Swim (57 Miles)

10. Charity Ball (including charity auction)