Updated on May 21st 2012 at 9:22 PM from the JustGiving API

Thank you all so much for your very kind and generous donations. I completed the run in 1 hr 3 mins taking 2 minutes off my personal best. Sam was in my thoughts throughout the run which kept me going. Thank you once again from me and When You Wish Upon A Star, your donations really do help to put a smile back on a sick child's face and help to grant very special wishes. Susan x

I have known Sam from being a little girl and watched her grow from the tiny tot who loved playing with barbie dolls to becoming the courageous, brave young lady who inspired everyone around her and still does to this day. 

Sam was a typical teenage girl who loved spending time with her friends, make up, boys, music and her biggest passion was fashion design which even resulted in Top Shop's recognition and creation of one of her designs. 

In July 2002 when Sam had just reached her teens she was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma which is a very rare childhood form of bone cancer.  This resulted in 12 months of intense chemotherapy. Sam was also told she would have to have her leg amputated but luckily this was avoided although her bones and kneecap was replaced with a titanium mechanism which in itself was a very painful and disabling operation. Sadly in January 2004  Sam was told the cancer had spread to both of her lungs, despite operations to remove  the tumours Sam and her family knew this wasn't a cure and sadly in December 2004 when Sam was 16 she lost her fight.

There is so much I could write and my words seem barely enough to describe what Sam was.  She was a very funny, happy beautiful young lady who holds a very special place in mine and many others hearts.  One of my most treasured memories is our pyjama party when Sam was unable to move out of bed, we had such fun and shared lots of secrets.

Wish Upon a Star was very supportive to Sam and still remember her now, as I am sure they do for many of the other children they have helped.  I have attached a picture of Sam and her mum on holiday in Barbados which would not have happened if it wasnt for the help of Wish Upon a Star.  They really did bring a lot of fun times to Sam's last years which I witnessed and is the reason I have chosen this amazing charity to help.

Sam's mum would like to say that so many of her treasured memories with Sam during her illness would never have been possible without the support of Wish Upon a Star and she will always be so very grateful to them.

I am grateful for however much you can donate and I will be running on the day with Sam in my heart, she was a true inspiration.