The incredible efforts of a nine-year-old during this year's Race For Life are going to be used to help inspire others to take up the challenge.
Ruby Blue Connar is continuing to undergo treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and has also developed avascular necrosis, a painful condition similar to arthritis.
Despite this, the Clyst Heath Primary School pupil was determined to finish the Cancer Research UK Race For Life out of her wheelchair, almost sprinting across the line to the amazement of her family and friends who had supported her at the Westpoint course.
She and her family, mother Josie and brother Jack, who live in Longdown near Exeter, had hoped to raise £300 for Cancer Research by taking part in the event, but ended up raising almost £4,000.
Now her story has been selected to appear on publicity promoting the 2013 event, with Ruby becoming an ambassador for Cancer Research UK.
Karen Davis, spokesman for the charity in Exeter, said: "Ruby is a complete inspiration to all the ladies who take part in Race for Life.
"Her courage speaks volumes and it is an absolute honour to have Ruby and her family onboard as ambassadors for Cancer Research UK's Race for Life 2013."
Ruby is said to be thrilled with the honour.
Josie said: "We got a call from the charity saying they had been going through some of the stories of those taking part, and when they got to Ruby's they did not need to read very far to realise how incredible she is.
"Ruby is absolutely made up – she was squealing with delight. I think she's an inspiration but it is wonderful to have someone else confirm it."
It is a year since Ruby was diagnosed with leukaemia. She started to suffer fractured bones as a result of innocuous slips and trips, and tests initially appeared to show juvenile arthritis. She was referred to the Bristol Children's Hospital where leukaemia was confirmed. Without this diagnosis, she could have had just weeks to live.
Ruby is still undergoing chemotherapy and in 2014 she can start being treated for the avascular necrosis. This is likely to have been caused by the cancer treatment as her bones have been starved of blood due to the steroids she has been taking.
Josie said: "We are going to be marking the anniversary of her diagnosis as there was a time when we did not know if we would make it this far."
The Race For Life is the largest women-only fundraising event in the UK, and it is hoped that Ruby's story will inspire more young people to take part.
