A FORMER Hanley Swan pupil will be running a half marathon to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of her friend who died of the disease in 2020.
Honesty Shaw-Young will take on the Great Northern Run on Sunday (September 8) in honour of local boy Billy White who died aged 17 from Osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.
The former Dyson Perrins student was diagnosed aged 15, having had cancer twice as an infant.
Honesty said: “Despite his difficult circumstances, Billy stayed remarkably strong and positive throughout his treatment and never complained.
“Four years on from Billy’s passing, I still haven’t met anyone as strong, brave and resilient but no one should have to go through what he suffered. I want to do what I can to help other teenagers suffering with cancer right now.”
The year Billy passed, Honesty and her sister, Tuppence raised almost £2,000 for the Bone Cancer Research Trust by walking the Worcestershire Way in a single day – a total of 31 miles.
Now, Honesty has smashed her £500 fundraising target for Teenage Cancer Trust, bringing in over £600 in donations ahead of the race.
Honesty has stayed very close with Billy’s family and she says his brothers Leo and Sam remind her of how great a person Billy was.
She added: “Billy’s whole family is an inspiration to me and to other families going through similar times. This run will be just as much for them as it is for Billy and the Teenage Cancer Trust.
“Billy, we miss you and hope you are still at peace in Heaven and looking down at us with fondness. You will always be a big part of our lives and hearts, and we will never forget you.
“Please give what you can for a life-changing cause.”
The Teenage Cancer Trust provides specialist care and support to young people living with cancer.
Visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/great-north-run-honesty to donate.
