A TEENAGER who was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer is giving back to the people who saved her life by embarking on a 250 mile sponsored cycle ride.

Tabitha Wood, from Burley-in-Wharfedale, was just 13 when she was diagnosed with the disease in September 2017 - and she underwent life saving surgery within a week.

Now she is raising money for Leeds General Infirmary’s teenage cancer ward and for the Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony Cancer Charity.

Her mum Sarah Wood said the rare form of cancer was classed as grade three and the staff at Leeds General Infirmary performed extensive and life saving surgery.

She said: “After a difficult time she is now checked with MRI, blood tests and X rays every two months but is back at school and wants to give back to the people that saved her life.”

Tabitha will cycle from Charing Cross Hospital in London, where her specialist is based, to Leeds General Infirmary, where she receives treatment - a distance of about 250 miles. Her brother Ben, 19, and dad Adrian, who runs a computer business in Bradford, will be cycling alongside her.

Sarah said: “They are not regular cyclists but are willing to do what it takes to makes a difference and give back to those who need it. Ribble Cycles have very kindly provided the bikes for Tabby and Ben.

“Tabby wants to raise funds so each of the beds in the Teenage Cancer ward at LGI can have an iPad, so the children can have access to stream films, take and share photos and just make life a little easier.

“Additional money will go to help families who struggle to stay near their children in Leeds whilst they are in hospital and also to the Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony Cancer Charity, that helps children and their families with cancer, and were very good raising Tabby’s spirits whilst she was ill.”

The family have set a target of £10,000 and have already raised more than £2,000. They have set up a facebook page - The Wood family lifecycle - and they have a justgiving page. They are also looking for business sponsorship.