Meet the South Shields cancer survivor who is now helping other teenagers struck down by the disease

Alex Turner, of Westoe Road, South Shields, was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, an uncommon type that develops inside the tissue of the voicebox, at the age of 15.

Through strength and determination, she is now cancer free, but isn’t ending her journey there.

Throughout her battle, with the help of friends and family dubbed Alex’s Angels, the inspirational 16-year-old raised more than £50,000.

Now, she’s launching her Alex’s Angels Foundation to offer financial support to children and their families at the children’s cancer ward at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Alex, who is studying health and social care at Gateshead College, said: “I’m really excited. It’s been such a long road so to finally be launching the foundation feels amazing.

“I can’t wait to be able to help other people with cancer.

“We’ve raised about £53,000 so far and it feels so good to have so much to start off with.

“The foundation will help people on the teenage cancer ward and support their families financially.

“It’ll help with things like if the parents need to take time off work and need help paying the bills, or if their washer breaks and they need a new one.

“I’ve been there and my family has too, so I know what it’s like to go through it. I needed the help myself.”

The foundation officially goes live on Friday, June 3, when Alex will be joined by loved ones and supporters for a party at Hedworth Hall, in South Shields.

The former St Wilfrid’s RC College pupil added: “I can’t wait for the party. It’ll be so nice to have a big celebration, because there’s a lot to celebrate.

“I’m just so excited to get the foundation launched so I can start helping people.

“People will be able to apply to the foundation if they need help and I just can’t wait to get started.”

The foundation was also given a boost by members of Hebburn Town Juniors FC, who raised £2,500 by taking on a Boxing Day Dip.