Scotland’s netball captain says a brave nine-year-old who lost a kidney to cancer will be the team’s “lucky charm” at this summer’s Commonwealth Games.
Inspired by her courage, Aberdeen-born skipper Claire Brownie gave Amy Reid a guided VIP tour of the Scottish Thistles’ home stadium in Glasgow.
Brownie, who jets off with her squad to Australia today is now encouraging woman and girls across Scotland to pull on their running shoes and raise vital money by signing up to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.
During the visit Amy got to meet the rest of the national netball team and was given a signed ball, t-shirt and free tickets to an upcoming game.
Brownie, 29, said: “We were all moved and inspired by Amy’s courage and bravery.
“Amy will be the team’s lucky charm in Australia.
It’s a really important part of our job to inspire girls to get active and be into sport.
“All you need is for kids to dream but for that to happen, they need to see what’s possible.
“We’re so excited and proud to represent Scotland in the Commonwealth Games and when we’re out there it will be brilliant to know that people back home like Amy are cheering us on.”
Amy, who lives in Coatbridge, was diagnosed with cancer in 2012.
At one point had to have a stem cell transplant in order to save her life.
This year she will be taking her place on the Race for Life starting line along with her mum Laura, 39, and sister Sophie, two, while her dad and brother cheer them on.
Mrs Reid said: “Amy has kept us strong through it all. At the time we couldn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel.
“We thought Amy was never going to get through this. It was frightening.
“Now looking at her, I can’t believe she was ever so ill. Her recovery has been amazing.
“Amy did her first Race for Life 5K event while still going through treatment for cancer and it’s been a really important part of our lives ever since.
“If Amy’s story can help other families going through cancer right now then we’ll have made a difference.”
