There is no doubt Renee Thornton of Laurieton has been through tough times over the past couple of years

When the 23-year-old was admitted to Blacktown Hospital in Sydney after a lady ran into the back of her car in August 2006 she wasn’t prepared for the news she received.

Following the accident doctors performed a full body x-ray as a standard procedure to check for broken bones but they found something much more serious.

“I was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer found in young adolescents which had previously taken the life of my older sister,” Renee said.

“It had been in my hip bone for more than two years undiagnosed, which later travelled to my brain.

“I will never forget a doctor saying ‘you have until April to live’, but I was determined to see my brother’s wedding and to be able myself to walk down the aisle that same year,” she said.

“I had amazing family support to keep me going especially my parents, grandfather and my husband Craig who I married in November 2007.”

Although Renee said she had symptoms like constant hip pain before diagnosis, she continued to think she was just overworking herself.

“I’m still in recovery since my last operation in February this year and was given the all clear.

“I went through chemo and radiotherapy. I’m not completely rid of the disease but it’s controlled with medication,” she said.

But despite her illness Renee’s determination and will to succeed is already taking her places as she has recently joined the Camden Haven Physical Culture Club (CHPCC) and is proving to be a very talented competitor.

She finished 2nd in the Ladies Zone Championships held in Coffs Harbour in the second year ladies section along with other club members Kristelle Hrabak 1st and Belinda Bell 5th.

All three ladies earned themselves positions in the National Physical Culture Finals at Homebush State Sport Centre last Wednesday week where Kristelle and Renee both made the final 13 Australia-wide.

Treasurer of the CHPCC Helen Lewis said the club was really proud of their efforts.

“Having three ladies make the nationals is just wonderful and to have two out of three girls actually make the national final is a real credit to the club,” she said.

Renee said she is very happy to be a part of such a supportive club.

“This is my first year back at Physical Culture. Physie is great socially, but it has also improved my body, strengthened my muscles, endurance and posture.”

“The women at Camden Haven Club welcomed me with open arms. It is a wonderful team to be a part of. We are so blessed to be a part of this wonderful community,” she added.