A PAIR of brave three-year-olds affected by cancer will lead a lap of honour during an overnight relay event this weekend.

Evie-Mae Crawford and Martha Hanlon will be special guests at this year’s Relay for Life Oxford.

Wearing “survivor” T-shirts, they will lead the way when the 24-hour fundraiser begins tomorrow at Oxford Rugby Club, in North Hinksey Lane.

Martha, from Headington, was diagnosed with cancer in April 2013 after falling ill on a family trip in Dorset and has to endure gruelling chemotherapy.

Her mother Eve Hanlon, 32, said: “It is a privilege for Martha to represent other children going through treatment.”

Evie-Mae, from Berinsfield, near Wallingford, was born with two holes in her heart and Downs Syndrome.

She underwent surgery on a cleft palate and needed grommets put in both ears in October 2012.

But just weeks later she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia and needed six months of chemotherapy at the JR.

The youngster is now regularly monitored despite getting the all-clear from medics last June.

Event chairman Mike Hughes said: “We are delighted to have these two very special little girls lead the lap of honour.

“I know they will be an inspiration to everyone who meets them.”

The event celebrates those who have battled cancer and remembers those who lost their lives to the disease. The pair will walk the relay’s first lap, cheered on by cancer survivors and their loved ones.

Funds raised by the two-day event will support Cancer Research UK’s work into the condition at the JR.

Teams of between eight and 15 people will rally together, taking turns to travel round the track throughout the night. The race track will later glow as candles are lit during a Candle of Hope ceremony in memory of lost cancer patients.

The event will come to a close with participants joining for a final lap together.

For details visit cruk.org/relay or call 0871 641 2602

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