Tara Pryde
Tara's Half Ride London 2019
Fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust
Story
Hello everyone, on the 4th of August 2019 I am cycling just under 50 miles during Half Ride London for a charity very close to my heart. I hope you can read my story below & donate to change help so many young lives.
In 2009, I met my best-friend for life Shania Dempsey - James. The most beautiful person i have ever come across both inside and out and we have been inseparable from the day we met. In 2011, at 11 years old after months of investigations Shania was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Spindle Cell Sarcoma in her lower spine. She began Chemotherapy relatively soon. This is where the on going battle begins. After undertaking extensive laser treatment in America in 2012, Shania was cleared in remission until 2015 when the cancer returned for a 2nd time. She undertook Chemotherapy extensively again and was in remission until 2017. Until in 2017, aged 17 we found out the news that it had progressed to secondary cancer. The Spindle Cell Sarcoma had spread to her lungs as well as her lower spine. As a result in 2018, Shania spent her time in ICU at UCLH continuing to fight the battle she thought was near over. Today as it stands at 19 years old, she is struggling to keep her lungs under control and it is still a big part of her life. However, she never has and never will let cancer stop her from achieving all she has ever wanted. In 2018, Shania was accepted into Central St Martins ( the top university for fashion in the WORLD ) to pursue the career of her dreams in Fashion.
From the days/nights staying next to her in the ICU while she sleeps waiting for her to wake up, from travelling to UCLH Hospital after my first day at secondary school wearing ridiculous coloured wigs so she wouldn’t feel so alone after loosing her hair, the days of waking up with her at 3am when she woke up in pain and talking through it for hours. From the days of sitting by her in the Chemotherapy wards while she receives treatment. To the times of italy holiday, staying at each-others every-night during the week, to every laughter, to every cry, to every cherished moment and bad song she plays. I am so grateful and so lucky to have such a beautiful soul in my life. She isn’t just a bestfriend, she is family. Throughout all of Shania’s treatments, on the wards at UCLH and elsewhere. I have met and witnessed beautiful people very similar to Shania that have also had there lives changed for the better by this amazing charity.
Around seven young people aged between 13 and 24 are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK. They need expert treatment and support from the moment they hear the word ‘cancer.’ Teenage Cancer Trust are the only charity dedicated to making this happen. I aim to raise money and awareness in order to support a charity who supported Shania and helping her through the worst times of her life. Shania Dempsey James, you’ve got this. Keep fighting and you can do this. I believe in you, we all do. Thank you for always being my soulmate, i love you. Unconditionally. You are Lionhearted.
In 2009, I met my best-friend for life Shania Dempsey - James. The most beautiful person i have ever come across both inside and out and we have been inseparable from the day we met. In 2011, at 11 years old after months of investigations Shania was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Spindle Cell Sarcoma in her lower spine. She began Chemotherapy relatively soon. This is where the on going battle begins. After undertaking extensive laser treatment in America in 2012, Shania was cleared in remission until 2015 when the cancer returned for a 2nd time. She undertook Chemotherapy extensively again and was in remission until 2017. Until in 2017, aged 17 we found out the news that it had progressed to secondary cancer. The Spindle Cell Sarcoma had spread to her lungs as well as her lower spine. As a result in 2018, Shania spent her time in ICU at UCLH continuing to fight the battle she thought was near over. Today as it stands at 19 years old, she is struggling to keep her lungs under control and it is still a big part of her life. However, she never has and never will let cancer stop her from achieving all she has ever wanted. In 2018, Shania was accepted into Central St Martins ( the top university for fashion in the WORLD ) to pursue the career of her dreams in Fashion.
From the days/nights staying next to her in the ICU while she sleeps waiting for her to wake up, from travelling to UCLH Hospital after my first day at secondary school wearing ridiculous coloured wigs so she wouldn’t feel so alone after loosing her hair, the days of waking up with her at 3am when she woke up in pain and talking through it for hours. From the days of sitting by her in the Chemotherapy wards while she receives treatment. To the times of italy holiday, staying at each-others every-night during the week, to every laughter, to every cry, to every cherished moment and bad song she plays. I am so grateful and so lucky to have such a beautiful soul in my life. She isn’t just a bestfriend, she is family. Throughout all of Shania’s treatments, on the wards at UCLH and elsewhere. I have met and witnessed beautiful people very similar to Shania that have also had there lives changed for the better by this amazing charity.
Around seven young people aged between 13 and 24 are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK. They need expert treatment and support from the moment they hear the word ‘cancer.’ Teenage Cancer Trust are the only charity dedicated to making this happen. I aim to raise money and awareness in order to support a charity who supported Shania and helping her through the worst times of her life. Shania Dempsey James, you’ve got this. Keep fighting and you can do this. I believe in you, we all do. Thank you for always being my soulmate, i love you. Unconditionally. You are Lionhearted.