A youngster who survived 40 operations by the age of six will attempt to cross the finish line of the Mini Great Manchester Run unaided for the first time.
Ella Chadwick, from Rochdale, was born with Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome – a rare illness which causes kidney failure.
The eight-year-old, who has had to learn to support herself on her feet, is determined to ditch her walking frame for the north west’s biggest children’s running event.
The youngster was forced to have both of her kidneys removed and faced weekly dialysis sessions before receiving a life-saving kidney from her grandma two years ago.
Ella has been a patient at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital all of her life and took part in the Mini Great Manchester Run for the first time last year.
She aims to complete the run on behalf of Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity.
“When we watched Ella take part in the Mini Great Manchester Run last year, it was fantastic to see how far she had come as she could only manage a short distance with her walking frame before,” said Ella’s mum, Karen Hughes.
“When she told me that she wants to finish the Mini event this year on her own two feet, I was so proud of her.
“She is absolutely determined to cross the finish line without the help of her frame.”
Ella made the headlines last year when she sang to Simon Cowell and had a selfie with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini during a visit to the X Factor set.
“Ella is so selfless, even when she was in hospital, she was always comforting the children who were upset,” said Karen.
“She now wants to raise money for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, as she knows there are a lot of other sick children there.
“She has well and truly caught the bug for fundraising. She’s been practicing her exercises, she is so driven to complete the goal she has set.
“It will be a fantastic moment and another huge step in her recovery.”
Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity raises money to fund treatment and research for young people with life-threatening conditions.
With 371 beds, it is the largest single-site children’s hospital in the UK.
“We’re thrilled that Ella is once again taking on the Mini Great Manchester Run in support of our Children’s Hospital,” said Hannah Thomas, Events Manager for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity.
“As one of our patients we have known Ella since she was tiny, so we will all be so proud when she crosses the finish line without her walker.
“Ella is such an inspirational and cheerful little girl who never fails to put a smile on our faces.
“Ella and her family are long term fundraisers for our charity and we are very grateful for all of their continued support.”
The Mini Great Manchester Run will be held at the Etihad Campus on May 21, and is open to children of all abilities between three and 15 years old.