ABBI Steedman was just two years old when she was diagnosed with one of the rarest forms of cancer.

And weeks after the retino-blastoma tumour was discovered in her head, Abbi lost the sight in her left eye, and had to undergo major surgery to have the eye removed.

Four months of chemotherapy followed, in what her family describe as a "horrendous" time.

Abbi's mother, Karen Battram, 32, said: "When I heard the word cancer, I thought her life was over."

But Abbi, from Marton, Middlesbrough, has battled through the worst since her ordeal began two years ago, and is well enough to attend Pennyman Primary School, in Middlesbrough.

The youngster wears a false eye, and has been given a Little Star award from Cancer Research UK for her courage.

On Monday, she and her family will celebrate the milestone they feared they may never see - Abbi's fifth birthday.

Last night, the inspirational youngster led by example once again when she started the first of two Middlesbrough Race for Life events, which will see a combined total of 4,000 women raise £260,000 for Cancer Research UK. The second event will be held at 10.30am today.

Abbi took part in the 5k event at Ormesby Hall alongside her mother, and eight-year-old sister, Ellie.

Ms Battram said: "Abbi was really excited about joining Race for Life.

"It feels like the start of the celebrations for her birthday.

"It's been two years since Abbi was diagnosed with cancer, and it feels like a lifetime ago that she had the treatment.

"Abbi has a wonderful personality. She takes everything in her stride, and has not complained at all."

Women who have already taken part in events are being encouraged to send in their sponsorship money as soon as possible, to help Cancer Research achieve its national target of £46m.

Money continues to pour in, and two of the teams who took part in the Darlington event, on June 11, have raised a combined total of more than £1,300.

A 16-strong team from shower manufacturer Roman were among the 4,000 women running, and raised more than £800.

Loraine Gamblin, marketing director and team member, said: "It was hard work in sweltering heat but it was also very good fun.

"We are delighted to have raised so much money and would like to thank everyone for being so generous."

Staff from St Augustine's Primary School, in Darlington, raised more than £500.

Headteacher Catherine Crawford said: "The staff who ran the Race for Life should be very proud of their efforts."