A MUM whose daughter died in her arms is to be guest of honour at this weekend's Race For Life in Hull.
Emma Whitfield was devastated when her daughter Evie Kean, nine, died in January, ten months after she was diagnosed with an aggressive type of brain tumour.
Now, Emma and an 18-strong team of women called Evie's Angels will take part in Race For Life this weekend.
Emma, 32, said: "Taking part in Race For Life is my way of fighting back against cancer for taking Evie."
Thousands of women are expected to take part in the race in Hull's Queens Gardens on Sunday.
Emma, a lunchtime supervisor from west Hull, said: "It was a terrible shock when Evie was diagnosed with cancer. I just couldn't believe it was happening to my beautiful little girl."
Evie first became ill in December 2012 but her high temperatures were thought to be caused by a virus. However, just weeks later, Evie fainted at Penhurst Primary School in Hessle and was taken to A&E at Hull Royal Infirmary.
Doctors discovered Evie, who loved gymnastics and cross-country running, had an abnormality on her brain and she was sent to Leeds General Infirmary for further tests.
In March last year, Evie's family learned she had an inoperable brain tumour and was given just months to live.
Evie underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy and her family enjoyed a trip to Lapland to meet Santa at Christmas.
However, her condition began to deteriorate and she lost her fight for life in January, dying in her mum's arms.
Emma, who is also mum to Lottie, four, and Riley, three, said: "Evie was just amazing – she kept going all the time.
"Even after Christmas, she went back to school. She loved maths and didn't want to miss out.
"The weekend before she died, she had been very unwell. On the Monday morning, I lifted her out of bed and we sat snuggled up on the sofa together and she died there in my arms – happy and peaceful – and I'm so glad it happened that way."
Emma is taking part in her first Race for Life in memory of her daughter.
She said: "I miss her every single day and I can't put into words the devastation that losing her has brought us.
"It's going to be an incredibly emotional event, but I know Evie would want me to do it and that by taking part I'll be helping other families have more precious time with their loved ones."
