AN INSPIRATIONAL teenager has put her pain to pen as she honestly documents her battle with leukaemia.

Alexandra Spain, 19, from Chingford, has become a source of inspiration for many people going through the same struggle.

In December, 2014, Alexandra was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, throwing the then 17-year-old into the harsh reality of cancer.

Alexandra said cancer is one word that nobody wants to hear, whether it is yourself, a family member, a friend, or your pet.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Alexandra, battling cancer at such a young age 

She said: “That one word changes everything.

“It’s everywhere, in films, books, media, reality, but for me, reality was one place I never expected to experience cancer.

Five months after her diagnosis, Alexandra began channelling some of her strength used to battle leukaemia into her blog ‘Battling Roses and Thorns’.

Alexandra would endure nine months of agonising chemotherapy at University College London Hospital, teaching her some essential life lessons.

The teen said she would never wish her diagnosis upon her worst enemy, but for her, it was a blessing in disguise.

She said: “It has opened my young eyes into looking at the world in a whole new light.

“Behind closed doors, you never know what someone is going through - physically, mentally or emotionally.

“Although they may put on a brave face, their true self is most likely hidden away from the public.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The face of determination - Alexandra beat the cancer which threatened her life

Alexandra remembers getting on the Underground wearing a wig after chemotherapy had taken her hair, and a “face full of makeup”.

She said: “No one would bat an eyelid at me, I was one of them, so why should they give up their sit for me?

“I needed it, but I refused to ask to sit down, I wanted to be a normal person again.

“I let the world see my mask that made me out to be a normal young girl that should be able to physically stand on the tube with no problem.

“I didn't allow random tube-goers around me to see the true vulnerable girl that I had become.”

Alexandra’s resilience and battling nature won through, conquering the cancer which has taken so many other young lives.

Her hope is her story can raise awareness that cancer is not just taking the lives of the elderly, but it is cutting short too many children, teenagers and young adults.

She revealed cancer has taught her not to get caught up in the bad moments, but to look forward to what good there is ahead.

Alexandra said she will always remember the moments when she would just sit there and think “I actually have cancer”.

She said: “But I looked ahead to the moment of relief I felt when I would be told I was in remission.

“We can find a cure, but most importantly, we can all beat cancer when faced with it one day.”

The charity, Ellie’s Friends, learnt of Alexandra’s story and using its freebies service, donated two London experiences to her in time for Christmas.

If you want to find out more about the charity, head to its website www.elliesfriends.org/freebies, where you can donate towards its festive efforts in bringing joy to adults living with cancer.