JUST 12 months ago brave cancer fighter Eleanor Harding was too ill to cheer her friends along as they took part in the Great Manchester Run for her.

But last year, the 16-year-old joined her pals to take part in the 10k run.

Bolton School pupil Eleanor was diagnosed with leukaemia in January last year.

Inspired by her strength and courage her friends completed the run last year to raise £3,000 for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Eleanor said at the time she hoped to take part one day — but she certainly did not expect to be running just one year later.

The Edgworth teenager said: “I didn’t think I would be able to do it this year.”

The Year 11 pupil is still fighting the illness but is back at school and on low grade chemotheraphy treatment, which is administered in pill form.

The plucky teenager was determined to build up her strength and the Virgin Active gym in The Valley, in Bolton, developed a programme for her.

Walks around the local reservoirs with her mum Barbara, aged 52, soon turned into a run.

Eleanor said: “My dad, who is the runner, signed me up at the same time as him, saying it would motivate me. I thought I would end up walking half of it.”

Dad David, aged 50, ran with mum crossing the line at 59 minutes, and Eleanor was with brother Luke, with both crossing the line at 49 minutes.

Eleanor said: “We thought it would take an hour-and-a-half to complete. By the end my brother was having to keep up with me.”

She has raised more than £1,000 for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Her mum, Mrs Harding said: “Ellie has a tremendous sense of spirit, she went back to school and has now completed the 10k to help other people.”

Headteacher Sue Hinck added: “All the pupils and staff at Bolton School are amazed and inspired by what Eleanor has achieved, not just in this race but in every aspect of school life, in which she plays a huge part.”

Eleanor is now aiming to do a half marathon with her dad, and complete a full one by the time she is 18-years-old.