SALISBURY Cathedral’s spire turned bright pink on Tuesday night — and it will stay that way for twelve nights in support of Race for Life.

The colour change aims to make the spire a beacon of hope in the battle against cancer.

And a little boy whose smile helped his family cope as he went through gruelling cancer treatment has found himself in the spotlight.

Two-year-old Harry Tinham will be a special guest at this year’s Race for Life in Salisbury and will go up on stage to greet the expected 2,000 participants.

Harry, who lives in Harnham, has faced a string of health challenges in his young life.

He was born with Downs Syndrome.

When he faced open heart surgery aged just four months to correct a defective valve, his parents, Kate, 38, and Nick, 40, thought he had gone through the worst.

But when a rash appeared on his body at the beginning of last year, doctors at Salisbury District Hospital suspected meningitis.

They referred him to a specialist unit where further tests confirmed he had leukaemia.

Despite everything, Harry seldom stopped smiling, which helped his parents cope through a very difficult time.

Harry finished his treatment in April last year and the family recently celebrated the positive news he had been in remission for a year.

The youngster, who attends nursery at the John McNeil Opportunity Centre, has regular checks at Salisbury District Hospital where doctors are pleased with his recovery.

Mum Kate said: “He has gone from strength to strength since finishing his treatment.

“He coped well, apart from being allergic to some of the drugs. He loves being back at the nursery and has lots of friends.

“The treatment Harry received in Southampton and Salisbury was excellent and we built up great relationships with all the staff.

“We also keep in contact with parents from the hospital and Harry is lucky to go on day trips organised by staff on Piam Brown Ward.

“Harry is such a brave little boy. Nothing fazes or stops him. He is truly unbelievable and we are very proud to share his progress in the hope it will encourage women to support Race for Life."

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is a women-only series of events which raise millions of pounds every year to fund research to help beat 200 types of cancer.

Maxine Bateman, the Salisbury event organiser, said: “It is heartening to hear how well Harry is doing following his treatment.

“Race for Life helps to pay for the research which is making a difference and I hope the cathedral will be seen as a beacon of hope for cancer patients everywhere."

It is hoped £95,000 will be raised for research at this year’s Race for Life at Hudson’s Field on Sunday, July 12.

“Taking part is also a way to get fitter and the beautiful area around the Cathedral is an ideal place for women of all ages, shapes and sizes to kick-start a healthier lifestyle.

“Becoming more active has longer-term benefits, as research shows that even regular, moderate physical activity can help reduce the risk of cancer. Not only does it help to maintain a healthy body weight but it also has a protective effect in itself”.

Free training plans for different levels of ability are available on the Race for Life website. The six-week training plans are designed for walkers, joggers or runners. They feature guidance on warming up and stretching, as well as motivation.

To enter Race for Life go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.