Carrying the baton for the Commonwealth Games represented a turning point in the life of Lisa Shelfer.

The former Woodhouse Sixth Form College pupil was nominated to run 500 yards of the relay through London and on to Manchester to celebrate overcoming agocontracted myeloidisplasia a progressive abnormality of the bone marrow which she contracted in February last year.

"It signified starting a new life and having a life to look forward to," said Miss Shelfer, 22, of Hadley Road, Barnet. "A year ago I did not know what was going to happen to me or how long I would be around for. It is definitely a turning point, it shows that anything is possible."

July 17, 2002 18:30