Next up is Claire Woolger, who shares her story of cancer discovery, explaining how she went from being the “average teenager” worrying only about boys, school work and exams, to finding out she had something far scarier to be concerned about. Once treatment began, Claire explains how everything was put into perspective and suddenly worrying about “Mr. Fitty” down the road didn’t seem so important!

After finding herself back in hospital again due to an infection and low counts, Alice is feeling deflated and wants to be back at home. After a talk with the doctors however, Alice soon realises she must stay and get better before she can return home, and sure enough, proving everyone wrong, her counts steadily creep back up to normal range! An ecstatic Alice finally returns to her home comforts, but also returns to the ever looming exam results day, causing her to feel a mixture of emotions. The day arrives, and amazingly, Alice gains a sparkling set of grades, despite being extremely ill when sitting them. A post exams party with friends means only one thing…drunken, camp dancing from Jordan! It’s a case of festival fever as Alice has an amazing time at V and Reading, managing to meet one of her favourite bands, Muse. After all the fun of mingling with celebrities, Alice is suitably worn out, but doesn’t stop there…she has a full treatment plan sorted and is already planning a holiday!

It’s all go go go as both radiotherapy and exams get underway and Alice prepares for the busy schedule ahead of her. With radiotherapy everyday for the next 4 ½ weeks, Alice explains how she can’t wait to get it all over and done with and get on with life as normal. On the foot front, a successful period of driving again without any pain fills Alice with bundles of confidence and relief at the thought of finally being crutch free. After missing it first time round due to previous treatment, an apprehensive Alice prepares for her maths exam and reports back after to tell us how it went… with complete success of course! A weekend away in London with friends at the Give It A Name festival comes as a welcome break from treatment and exams and gives Alice a chance to see some of her all time favourite bands play, even if a late night getting back home does cause sore eyes the next day! As Alice’s tough schedule of radiotherapy continues, she explains how treatment isn’t what’s worrying her most. In true Alice form, passing her exams and continuing with revision are her main concerns, even with the side effects of treatment causing her to feel tired and lethargic… leaving us wondering where she gets her energy from!

With exams just round the corner and radiotherapy about to begin, Alice is feeling the strain of having to deal with both school and treatment whilst still battling with the demon crutches! In her words, Alice explains how she could do with some “time out” to forget about things and relax without worrying about other complications. Walking has never seemed like such a luxury as Alice explains how important it is not to take it for granted and longs for the use of her legs once more. After a period of feeling down, Alice perks up after a very successful weekend of walking without crutches and despite it being a long process, is determined to be running around as soon as possible! As the foot in question is beginning to heal nicely, Alice takes the time to show us where the operation took place…a process which still makes her go a bit funny when she has to look at it for too long! In preparation for radiotherapy, Alice takes a trip to the hospital where a mould of her leg is taken, followed up by a heavy tattooing session…unfortunately for radiotherapy purposes only!

As Alice prepares for radiotherapy on her foot, life on crutches is taking its toll. With exams only round the corner, as well as not being able to do a lot for herself, Alice explains how frustrated and apprehensive she is feeling at the prospect of facing the next few months ahead. A surprise trip to see one of her favourite bands, Muse, at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust soon gets Alice feeling excited and raring to go, even amongst feeling tired and energy less. After receiving some positive test results back following an examination of the muscle surrounding the tumour in her foot, Alice is left feeling incredibly happy and relieved. Continuing on the positive note, the stitches in her foot are out following the operation and healing well, but unfortunately the crutches are staying around for a little while longer yet!

After being chemo free for just over a month, Alice is told the news that no-one ever wants to hear- she’s relapsed. Always with a smile on her face and determination in her voice, she explains how she is coping with the unexpected news and constantly manages to stay positive, whatever the weather. With the tumour back in her foot, albeit very small, she has a strong plan of attack- to get to Birmingham as soon as possible to have it removed and then undergo an intensive course of radiotherapy until the damn thing is gone!