A 19-YEAR-OLD York student and cancer survivor who feared she might have to have her leg amputated will this weekend take part in the first March on Cancer.

Lilli Broadbent, 19, was diagnosed with the bone cancer osteosarcoma when she was 13 and went on to beat the disease.

The University of York student will take part in the sponsored night-time walk in Newcastle on Saturday and is calling on people across the region to join her.

Lilli, who is studying Educational Studies, said: “When I went to my GP cancer wasn’t something that even crossed my mind so it was a massive shock to me and my family. It’s thanks to research and treatment I’m still here today and that my leg was saved. Sadly some of the friends that I met on the ward didn’t make it so I’ll standing up for them and their families too.

"For me, sharing my story at March On Cancer is really important. I hope to show people that there is life after a cancer and I’m determined to recruit others to the fight against this disease. United we’re stronger than cancer so I’m urging local people to join the March and make their voices heard."

Lilli was diagnosed with bone cancer in March 2008 when she was just 13 after noticing her knee was swollen in the bath.

Being a sporty teenager she initially thought it was an injury from Tae Kwon Do, but when the pain didn’t go away and she started to lose a lot of weight her parents took her to the GP.

She was immediately referred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for an x-ray, which revealed a tumour on her knee. A biopsy at the Freeman Hospital then confirmed that she had cancer and may lose her leg because of the tumour.

The very next day Lilli started chemotherapy, a gruelling 11 weeks of treatment that made her so poorly she lost so much weight she didn’t recognise herself.

She then underwent a nine hour operation to remove the tumour. The surgeon was able to save Lilli’s leg and instead inserted a titanium rod from top to bottom and replaced a majority of her knee.

Lilli was given the all clear in December 2008.

She is returning to the city where she received her treatment to take part in the march, a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, which raises money to fund vital research.

Newcastle has been chosen as one of just 15 cities to host the march, which will take place simultaneously around the UK.

Starting at 7.30pm at Baltic Square, participants will come together and march for 45 minutes through the streets accompanied by live music, inspirational films, entertainment and stories from people who’ve beaten cancer.

For more information and to get involved visit standuptocancer.org.uk