Terminally-ill Southsea teen, 19, heralded '˜an inspiration' after finishing Race for Life 5k

The 19-year-old was met by cheering crowds of family and friends as she crossed the finish line.

The effort comes only three months after she was told she has terminal cancer, having previously beaten a rare form of bone cancer that led to her right leg being amputated.

Natalie said: ‘It’s so good to get to this point once more.

‘I’ve been excited about the event and to do have the chance to do it with all like-minded women that just want to raise money and put a stop to cancer.

‘It’s such an important event and it feels great because everybody’s cheering you on.

Natalie, of Augustine Road in Southsea, completed last year’s Race for Life just nine weeks after her amputation.

She was given the all-clear last October but was told earlier this year that the cancer had returned and had spread to her lungs.

Since the diagnosis, Natalie and her family have been ‘very busy’, with the teenager trying to accomplish all her dreams within the time she has left.

She is set to marry her fiance John Daniells, who she has been with since she was 15 later this summer.

And Natalie is going on a big family holiday to Disneyland Paris following the wedding after the family managed to raise £10,735 in 10 months.

John, 22, said: ‘She’s a really strong fighter and has been doing okay the last couple of months.

‘I know that she has been given a lot of support from friends and family and it’s made a difference.

‘I think for me, it’s all about spending as much time as I can with her.

‘She’s showing that she’s a hero by doing this and help send a message to others to keep on going.

‘The thing about Natalie is that she never stops. She just keeps on going, it is so admirable.’

Natalie recently started her chemotherapy.

She gave a speech ahead of the race in which her and her family shared her story to raucous applause.

And she sounded the horn to signal the start of the race before she took to the track, and walked to a huge cheer at the finish.

Her family have taken her to Alton Towers and to Southampton to see Mary Poppins on stage in recent months.

There are plans for the family to go on the famous duck tour bus in London and see The Lion King on stage.

Her auntie Lynn Johnson said: ‘Natalie is a true inspiration.

‘It’s all been about creating memories since we got the diagnosis and about making as much time for the whole family to spend time with her.

‘I think her story just emphasises the fact that you’ve got to make the most of everything while you can.’

Natalie’s mother Denise Taylor, said: ‘Our main aim is to keep her as busy as we can.

‘Today really brings it all home to me. It’s been great.’