The family of a brave teenager who was diagnosed with a rare cancer at the age of 16 has spoken about the “nightmare”.

Amy Ellery, of Seascale, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma – a rare type of bone cancer – two years ago.

The 18-year-old has undergone major surgery and chemotherapy and is currently having further treatment.

But the devastating news has not deterred her from helping others, as she has raised more than £13,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

And now her dad Steve is set to tackle the Great North Run in September with Amy’s sister Becky and their friends, to raise cash for the charity.

Steve has spoken about the devastating moment Amy was diagnosed with bone cancer.

“To find out my daughter had cancer was a parent’s nightmare,” he said. “My life changed from long-term planning to focusing on the days and weeks ahead.

“I found myself not in control and watching the roller-coaster that is cancer treatment. But I also found how brave my daughter Amy is, from what was my quiet little girl to the little star who’s fought through the two rounds of chemotherapy and the many operations while keeping her sense of humour and determination to carry on with normal life.

“I couldn’t be any prouder of her for how she has handled this – it’s something that no young person should have to carry.

“I’m also proud of her sister Becky who organised fundraising events and is always there for her.”

Steve praised the Teenage Cancer Trust’s unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, where Amy was treated, adding: “I can’t imagine what it would have been like without their support.”


Amy has also told of the support she has received since her shock diagnosis at just 16.

She said: “The consultant [at the RVI] was great – she explained everything in a way that I could understand and also gave me time to process it all. Learning about my diagnosis made me so upset.”

Amy had most of her treatment at the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at the RVI. “The unit was absolutely brilliant – I can’t fault it at all.’’

She was diagnosed with relapsed osteosarcoma last April, undergoing surgery and chemotherapy. She is now taking a daily trial drug and has to visit the RVI every few weeks for tests.

She said the Teenage Cancer Trust had supported her, both in hospital and also by giving her the chance to go to a concert to meet rock group the Kaiser Chiefs.

In a bid to say thank you, Amy, who is a keen horse rider, and her sister Becky have hosted sponsored horse rides.

In the past two years they have raised over £13,000.

To join Steve and run for the Teenage Cancer Trust to help support young people like Amy, go to www.teenagecancertrust.org for more information.