Enlli Thompson has turned her devastating diagnosis of ovarian cancer into a powerful journey of resilience and advocacy.

The trainee motor mechanic from Caernarfon, had spent almost a year seeking answers. She made repeated visits to her GP and local A&E department, struggling with persistent stomach problems and headaches. Each time, she was reassured it was something minor—a stomach bug, a urinary infection, or even anxiety. At one point she was told it was the water in her village that was causing her illness.

At the age of 19 she was getting no where fast, feeling confused by being told it was nothing to worry about to then being told of a life-changing diagnosis that would turn her world upside down.

Each time she was told something different, but she held on to the belief that something just wasn’t right and she knew her own body better than anyone.

Her route to diagnosis wasn’t an easy one.

She first began experiencing symptoms in early 2024, while studying at college. Despite eating well, she struggled to gain weight and suffered from persistent headaches and stomach pains.

When the pain became insufferable, she made a desperate visit to A&E at Ysbyty Gwynedd hospital in Bangor. A scan took place prompted by Enlli’s insistence, after she spoke to her mum in a phone call. It was then doctors told her in the accident and emergency department that a mass had been found in her pelvic area.

Initially believed to be a cyst, Enlli was placed on a watch and wait pathway while continuing her work as a trainee motor mechanic.

“I was taking painkillers and working through the pain,” Enlli recalls. 

Enlli met with her surgeon who explained that surgery was necessary even though they weren’t sure what the problem was. No official diagnosis had yet taken place but it was soon revealed a 10cm mass had been found and it was confirmed to be cancerous.

At just age19, Enlli was told that she needed to undergo a full hysterectomy which would put her into an immediate menopause. She recalls the moment the news was given to her, where she had her cancer care nurse beside her for support.

“Being told that I wouldn’t be able to have my own children, I broke down and cried, I had so much support, but it was so difficult hearing those words. A week later I underwent fertility treatment where I had a number of my eggs frozen.

“They managed to freeze seven of my eggs which I hope to be able to use in the future. But I now have to cope with hot flushes and some brain fog, and since going on a course I realise I have more menopause symptoms than I first thought. I am taking Letrozole medication, which is used to treat cancer patients who are going through menopause symptoms.

“I’ve had amazing support from my social worker and from connecting with other young people who’ve gone through cancer. It’s helped me learn how to speak up for myself.”

Despite the challenges, Enlli says cancer has given her a new sense of purpose and confidence.

Enlli added: “I have taken part in a fashion show for Tenovus Cancer Care and as a result of that I also joined the charity’s Sing with Us choir in Bangor, where I have met so many other people who have been affected by cancer and it’s such a supportive community. It’s the best thing I’ve joined.”

Enlli even embraced her new look, shaving her head before her second round of chemotherapy. “I rock the look,” she says proudly. “I may wear a wig if I’m dressing up, but usually I don’t—and I get so many lovely compliments.”

Now, Enlli is determined to use her experience to support others and show that life after cancer is not only possible, but full of potential.

“I’ve been given so much support that I want to help others and show them that you can get on with your life and achieve things.”