A ST CYRES pupil who went through chemotherapy while studying for his A-levels has spoken of his joy after he achieved the grades to reach university.

Alex Baston was 16, and just starting his AS Levels, when he was first diagnosed with a form of bone cancer called Ewing’s sarcoma in his leg.

He stayed back a year so that he could go through treatment and fight the disease, then returned to school while still going through chemotherapy on weekends.

“I had the strongest chemotherapy they had ever administered to someone,” said Westbourne Road resident Alex.

“I was also the only person they had ever seen put on weight during chemotherapy as I put on about three to four stone.”

He added: “It was really hard to go through my studies whilst having chemotherapy as it makes you feel really bad.

“The thought of going to university got me through it. I tried to separate it from school and the other parts of my life.”

Alex, 19, is now completely recovered and looking forward to carrying on his education at university.

He eagerly collected his A-level results from St Cyres School last Thursday morning, August 14, and achieved an A in Government and Politics, B's in History and English Literature, and passed the Welsh Baccalaureate.

He is now set to study Law at Reading University.

“I was so nervous the night before I thought I was going to pass out,” he said.

“I’m so chuffed to get my results and get into university.”

St Cyres assistant head teacher Scott Britt said that the school was proud of Alex for overcoming cancer and achieving his grades.

“We are really pleased that he has come through everything and is a real success story.”