A NORTH EAST teenager has told of how defeating cancer twice has inspired him to help others.

Jonny Kelly, from Billingham, near Stockton, was diagnosed with a brain tumour at seven and underwent 18 months of intensive chemotherapy to treat his illness.

Much of his early school life was disrupted as the cancer diagnosis and its effects dominated his everyday life.

The chemotherapy was successful at keeping the cancer at bay for eight years, but Jonny and his family were rocked by the news it had returned and spread to his spine when he was 16 years old.

After undergoing surgery to have the spinal tumour removed in December 2019, he flew to Florida for 12-weeks of proton therapy, arriving home just before the first Covid lockdown struck.

He said: “The brain tumour stopped me from doing a lot of things.

“I was unable to participate in certain activities, and I was never at school, I was always at hospital.”

Read more: The Darlington woman who's still full of life despite inoperable cancer

The Northern Echo: Jonny KellyJonny Kelly

Now cancer-free again, the 18-year-old student has used his time at Stockton’s Riverside College to show off his skills after his rehabilitation affected getting the grades he wanted. It was there he found his passion, supporting children aged 11 to 16 with special needs while studying health and social care.

Reflecting on his experience, Jonny said it “made me want to make life easier for others”.

“I chose to study health and social care because of what’s happened to me," he added.

Jonny’s commitment to his studies, after overcoming extraordinary challenges, has seen him receive a Helena Kennedy Foundation Award. The national awards provide support to further education students who have overcome significant obstacles to continue their studies and realise their potential.

With practical work experience a fundamental part of the course, in the last year, he has spent 178 hours, and counting, on a placement at Northfield School and Sports College, his own former secondary school, working with young people with special needs.

“I absolutely love it,” he said. “Seeing the kids’ faces when they ask, so excited if I am going to be supporting them. It makes me smile to see them smile.”

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