A GIRL who battled a rare form of cancer as a baby will be among the participants taking part in the Race for Life.

Sophie Evans, 11, was diagnosed with a soft tissue form of the disease called rhabbomyasarcoma when she was eight months old and had to undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The youngster, who attends Elm Park School in Winterbourne, will have to take part in much of the 5km race in a wheelchair as she has undergone surgery to lengthen her leg bone that was left shorter as a result of her treatment and has to wear a metal frame.

Sophie, of Downend, was diagnosed with cancer after her parents notices a lump.

She underwent chemotherapy then had the tumour removed before having radiotherapy.

Sophie still suffers the effects of battling cancer, but is otherwise a normal healthy 11-year-old.

Her mum, Sue, who will be taking part in the Race for Life for the seventh time, said: "I don't think Sophie will ever appreciate quite how serious it was, but she has heard more about cancer as she has got older.

"She has to live every day with the consequences of the treatment for cancer.

"One leg is shorter than the other, she has kidney problems and high blood pressure that has caused heart problems and will have to take blood pressure tablets for the rest of her life.

"All of that at 11 is quite difficult."

Sophie will be taking part in the event with her twin sister and some school friends who will all be tackling the 5km course dressed as Disney characters.

She will be dressing up as Snow White and her sister Hannah will be Minnie Mouse. It will be the fourth time the sisters have taken part in Race for Life.

Sophie said: ""Race for Life is really good and is a great way to help people by raising money.