'Football literally saved my life'

A 21-year-old woman found out she had cancer after suffering a serious injury while playing football.

Leyla Ozturk, from Skelton, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer while being treated for the neck injury.

The footballer, who has shared her story to raise awareness and help anyone else in a similar position to her, told BBC Radio Tees: "As much as you think this is the end of the world, it will finish.

"It will come to an end and you'll have thought, 'wow, I've actually fought through this, and I've beat cancer'."

In September 2023, Leyla landed on her neck after a tackle. When her body went numb she was taken to A&E where a lump was discovered on the right side of her thyroid.

She was scheduled for a partial thyroidectomy in December and, a month later, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Leyla then had a total thyroidectomy and is now waiting for radioiodine therapy later this year.

Along with some of her family, she is taking on the Macmillan Mighty Hike to raise funds for the charity.

She said: "My Macmillan nurses have been brilliant. They've been so supportive and do so much for everyone else around the country with cancer, like my family, like me"

"It will be very rewarding"

Story by Eve Kennedy. Video by Dan Ragusa.