At just four months old, Elizabeth Rees-Gilbert faced a grim prognosis. Diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer affecting the nervous system, doctors warned that she might not live to see her first birthday.
Determined to give her a fighting chance, the medical team at Birmingham Children’s Hospital offered Elizabeth a place in a pioneering clinical trial. The trial involved treatment with Doxorubicin, a drug believed to have the potential to combat childhood cancer.
Though the treatment was successful, Elizabeth’s immune system was severely weakened, leading to pneumonia and requiring intensive care on a ventilator. Defying all expectations, she survived, earning a reputation as the hospital’s miracle baby.
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Reflecting on her journey, Elizabeth says, “The prognosis was very poor when I was first diagnosed. Had it not been for the clinical trial available at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, I wouldn’t have seen my first birthday. Although those early years were very challenging, I am fortunate to have led a healthy life since then.”
Originally from Cannock, Elizabeth underwent regular check-ups at Birmingham Children’s Hospital until she was 16 and continues to be monitored at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Now in her thirties, she enjoys a vibrant, active lifestyle and has even taken on half marathons.
Last year, Elizabeth completed the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run 10K and was so captivated by the experience that she signed up for this year’s half marathon. “I loved every moment — the energy, the support — so much that I booked the half marathon on the train home in a burst of excitement,” she shares.
Her first half marathon was in Wolverhampton, a challenging distance, but with the encouragement of her running club, Elizabeth has discovered joy in pushing her limits. She is also planning to participate in the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow, eager to experience the incredible atmosphere there.
On Sunday, 3 May, Elizabeth will join thousands of runners at Centenary Square to take on the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run Half Marathon — a celebration of endurance, hope, and triumph over adversity.