Katie was a normal 9 year old girl – great friends, love for life and very active. She was an amateur swimmer. At a swimming gala, Katie felt her knee “click”. We thought it was a strain. Katie still complained about her knee so we took her to the doctor who prescribed iboprifen. The knee pain continued and istarted to affect Katie''s mood. Katie's knee pain wasn’t improvingl so we took her back to the doctor. The doctor could not see anything wrong but suggested she an x-ray. It was during the r x-ray, the Radiographer advised us to make an appointment with our GP asap. The doctor suspected bon cancer in Katie's right shin.

After a biopsy,, osteosarcoma in her right shin was confirmed and chemotherapy was started. Katie thought she was going to die.

Katie’s treatment started on 4 July 2017. Katie was unwell with the chemo, being in hospital more or less for 3 weeks at a time then a break for a week. Katie continued to smile and show a maturity unexpected of a 9 year old. Katie had chemotherapy 4 times but the cancer had spread into her spine, hips and thigh bones. Katie had a 20% chance of survival.

Katie had complications with treatment, had 2 operations cancelled and needed more aggressive chemotherapy treatment, making her more ill.

Christmas 2017 we were told the cancer in Katie’s spine and hips bones had gone but the cancer in her shin and thigh bones remained. Katie had 2 options – amputation or limb saving surgery - then a 3rd - Van Nes Rotationplasty. In January 2018, Katie confirmed she wanted the Van Nes Rotationplasty. Katie had done her research and came to this decision by herself. Katie’s operation was carried out on 9 February 2018, 2 days later it was her 10th birthday. She had more chemotherapy and ended up in intensive care again. We were then told Katie was in remission.

Katie does not want to let cancer or her disability affect her. She wants to swim for Scotland and be a champion for other children affected by cancer.