When Megan Kelly was diagnosed with cancer, she bravely fought against the disease - and tried to help other young people who were suffering.
Despite her illness, the youngster was determined to support others who were battling cancer like her. Now her legacy will live on as her family and friends launch a charity in her honour.
Megan, of Sunniside, Gateshead, was diagnosed with soft cell Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, in July 2019. She was 18 at the time.
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She went through intense treatment and was given the all-clear at one point. At that time, she rang the bell at the Teenage Cancer Unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle to mark the moment.
However, the disease returned and Megan's condition deteriorated. She lost her life in December 2020, at the age of 19.
Her loved ones have since been raising funds in her memory, organising events that Megan herself was planning.
Now they have set up a charity in her name - Megan’s Rose Of Hope. The committee is made up of Megan’s close family members and friends, and their first fundraising event will take place on April 3 - a 160ft bungee jump off Whitby Larpool Viaduct.
Madison Rutherford, 21, one of Megan's close friends, said: "Megan’s story is at the heart of everything we do. We are honoured to be carrying out her wishes in her memory.
"This was Megan’s dream, being able to help others in her position, alongside their families and people surrounding them. Megan was extremely passionate about raising awareness for young people’s cancer as it took her so long to be diagnosed, even though she was so unwell for 18 months.
"This became increasingly more important when she got the news she was terminal. Megan always questioned if there was more awareness and research on young people’s cancer if things would be different.
"This is why it is so important for us to carry out Megan’s wishes by starting this charity but also to bring more awareness and funds to help in the research of young people’s cancers.
"Throughout our journey setting up Megan’s Rose Of Hope we have found that little money goes into children’s cancer research and this makes it even more so important to us."
Madison, of Sunniside, said the charity's mission was to provide information, guidance, research and funds for young people aged between 11 and 25 after a cancer diagnosis.
She added: "A long-term aim for us when Megan’s Rose Of Hope progresses is to have support groups or forums set up online for young people, family members and friends."
Anyone wishing to support the bungee jump or make a donation, can do so here.
