A TEAM of young footballers will run the Santa Dash in Liverpool next week in support of their teammate who relapsed with cancer last year.

Rainhill United under 10's girls team will take part in the 5km charity fun run on Sunday, December 5 to show their support to their teammate Leah Bennett and raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Leah, from Bold, was diagnosed with an "impossible" tumour as a six-year-old back in 2018, yet was saved by innovative and life-saving surgery at Alder Hey Children's Hospital - which combined 3D printing with tumour surgery for the first time.

St Helens Star: Leah has been nominated for the Child of Courage Award at The Pride of St Helens Awards this weekLeah has been nominated for the Child of Courage Award at The Pride of St Helens Awards this week

After ringing the cancer free bell at Alder Hey in January 2020, her tumour returned to her spine around last Christmas and she restarted treatment earlier this year.

However, her treatment has so far held everything stable for the young footballer and apart from her medication and check ups at Alder Hey, lives "pretty much a normal life".

Eternally grateful for the care of his daughter and the research that goes into her treatment, Leah's dad, Stephen Bennett has embarked on an 18-month fundraising journey in the attempt to raise £30,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Asking family and friends to join him on his endeavour, all the girls and parents at Rainhill United have committed to run the 5km around Liverpool City Centre next weekend complete with Santa Claus outfits - with Leah also setting herself the challenge.

St Helens Star: Lean and dad StephenLean and dad Stephen

Stephen said: "Leah's made up to get involved with her family, friends and footy team. It's a bit of fun but it will all go towards raising money for Cancer Research, and we want to get as many people to get involved where they can."

Speaking about his fundraising, Stephen added: "We just want to stop anyone else going through what we went through. The only way forward is to continue researching new cures and treatments and that's what the fundraising is aiming to help."

To donate to Leah and Stephen's cause, visit this link