Teenage cancer survivor is calling on her '˜angels' to help out

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 she’s continued her journey to help others.

Throughout her battle - and with the help of friends and family dubbed Alex’s Angels - the inspirational 17-year-old raised more than £50,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust,

Earlier this year she launched her Alex’s Angels Foundation to offer financial support to children who are battling cancer and their families.

So far her own foundation has clocked up £10,000 and has helped out two youngsters.

Alex said: “The foundation helps people with things like parents needing to take time off work and helping pay the bills. Even, if their washer breaks and they need a new one, we can help.

“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.”

She added: “So far two people have received help from the foundation. The aim is to be able to make a difference to one person every month.”

The foundation officially went live on Friday, June 3, and Alex was joined by loved ones and supporters for a launch party at Hedworth Hall, in South Shields.

Alex, who is now completing an apprenticeship at Hays Travel in Jarrow has also received a £300 donation from her employer.

She said: “The cheque from Hays is a big help, as we constantly need to keep the fund topped up.

“I am hoping more businesses will get in touch and will become sponsors for the foundation.

“We will be able to display their logos on the website.”

SIDEBAR

Alex is also urging her Angels to get freezing for a good cause.

One again she is organising a Boxing Day Dip off Sandhaven Beach in South shields.

Last year more than 250 people took the plunge into the chilly North Sea.

Sponsorship forms are currently being made and will be ready in the next few weeks.

Alex said: “It was brilliant last year, so many people took part.

“Hopefully once again football teams and groups of work people will all sign up together, so it can be just as big, or even better.”

To apply for a sponsorship for, or to offer to sponsor the Foundation send a message the charity’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/alexsangelsfoundation.