This article contains descriptions of FGM and reconstructive surgery some readers may find distressing. The World Health Organisation-approved FGM reconstruction surgery is freely available on public health services in European countries like Switzerland. Professor Jasmine Abdulcadir, one of the world's leading experts in FGM reconstruction surgery, sees up to 30 survivors a month at Geneva's University Hospital. "Not all of them will need or opt for surgery," she told Sky News. "There are several types of FGM, so the tissues involved might be diverse. It can be the labia, the clitoris, and the cutting might be more or less severe. So there are different types of surgeries. "If we talk about clitoral reconstruction, this is for patients that have been cut on the clitoris. And the surgery aims at removing the scar, and making the clitoris more accessible and more sensitive." In cases of infibulation, which is when a woman's vulva has been closed, Prof Abdulcadir described a procedure called deinfibulation, which allows surgeons to open up the scar. "When the vulva is closed, there are major obstructive complications," she explained. "It's difficult to have penetrative sex, to deliver normally. "Deinfibulation allows us to open the scar. We can also reconstruct the inner labia." 'All the girls were crying' Jamilla, not her real name, is one of Prof Abdulcadir's patients. She had FGM reconstruction surgery a little over a month ago. Jamilla is still traumatised about what happened to her as a child in West Africa. Even now, more than 30 years later. "Every girl who came in came out crying, screaming," Jamilla told Sky News. "I didn't want to go in, but they forced me and when I went in, she cut me with a blade. I jumped from the pain. All the girls were crying. I didn't want to, but they forced me." 'It's something that never leaves you' Jamilla's mother was against her daughter being cut but was tricked by one of her father's three wives. She was told she was going out to buy some sweets, but was instead forced into the cutter's house where she was brutalised. "I was angry because I was just a child. She had already made the decision, but I was angry… furious with her. When I was growing up, she was always around, and I asked her this question: why? She said: 'No, it's our culture, we have to do that for the girls.' "For me, honestly, it was exhausting. I didn't want to have to heal from it. Afterwards, they said that after one or two weeks they would have a celebration, but I wasn't feeling well at all. "Physically, mentally. I always think about it. It's something that never leaves you. You think about it all the time." Read more: Why I stopped carrying out FGM 137,000 living with FGM in England and Wales The WHO estimates more than 230 million women and girls alive today have undergone FGM across 30 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. It's mostly carried out on girls under 15. In 2015, it was estimated 137,000 women and girls were living with FGM in England and Wales. And between that report's publication and 2023, FGM was identified in a total of 87,575 attendances at NHS Trusts and GP practices. The true numbers are thought to be much higher and the latest government data is expected to be published soon. But even these will not give a true figure of this unimaginable cruelty and violence deliberately perpetrated against young girls. But while FGM survivors across Europe can access reconstruction surgery through their country's public healthcare system, it is still not available in the UK. Growing demand for surgery Juliet Albert is a specialist midwife who runs a busy FGM clinic in west London. She said demand in the UK continues to grow. She said: "We do find women coming to our clinic saying they want reconstruction surgery, and we have to say 'sorry, we don't offer it here'. "Some of them will seek it out by going to have it done in another country perhaps, which is obviously very costly, and some of them don't manage to get any support for that. "It may be because they've got long-term genital pain, or it might be a body image concern. Women say things like, 'I just want to be whole', or 'I want to put back what was taken away'." Government agrees to prioritise research These women now have some hope. Following a highly critical report by the Women and Equalities Committee into inadequate care for FGM survivors, the government has agreed to prioritise research into reconstruction surgery to make it available on the NHS. Committee chair Sarah Owen MP told Sky News: "In an ideal situation, it would be available to everybody on everybody's doorstep. But FGM isn't a problem in every part of our country. "But it is a problem in certain parts of our country, and I think we need to be able to prioritise those areas where the need is highest to ensure people get the surgery and the support they need as quickly as possible. "The research isn't into the merits of reconstructive surgery. The research is into where the need is greatest." She hopes it will be available on the NHS "as soon as possible", and in the meantime that women who are struggling receive support "sooner rather than later". "I want GPs to have better understanding of FGM and reconstructive surgery," she added. "I want people to know that this is still an issue for so many women within our communities." The Labour MP thinks it's an issue the government is now taking seriously, but wants "some action behind the words". "It's been an issue other countries have tackled successfully in the last 20 years," she said. "I think this country can actually get to grips with this, and this is a very good start." But the Department of Health and Social Care told Sky News more understanding of the process was still required. "The NHS runs FGM clinics which provide healthcare services and emotional and psychological support for victims," a statement said. "We are also facilitating further research into the effectiveness of reconstructive surgery for FGM survivors through the National Institute for Health and Care Research." FGM reconstruction surgery cannot erase the violence or the pain. But it can offer something many survivors feared they would never have: the chance to reclaim their bodies after a lifetime of trauma.

Music and sport fans have long complained about live event tickets being quickly bought up only to be immediately relisted at grossly inflated prices. The process is often carried out using bots - automated apps that repeatedly mimic customers to sweep up large numbers of tickets as soon as they're released. The people operating them can be based anywhere in the world. A government consultation had sought views on a proposed cap of 30% above cost, but ministers are expected to set the resale limit at face value, Sky News understands. Service fees charged will also be capped. The government refused to comment when approached by Sky News, but it's believed an announcement could come on Wednesday. Labour pledged in their manifesto to put an end to rip-off tickets and repeated the promise when they came to power. But there has been little word on the policy since, with seven months having gone by since a consultation ended. Dua Lipa, Coldplay, Sam Fender, Iron Maiden, and Radiohead were among acts who last week urged the government to follow through and "restore faith in the ticketing system". The Football Supporters' Association, some ticketing firms, and groups representing the theatre and music industries also signed the statement. Ticketmaster parent company, Live Nation Entertainment, said it "fully supports" banning resale above face value and added that it already had such a policy. Some UK secondary ticketing sites already have a face value cap or limit the mark-up. Others allow prices far in excess of face value. For example, Viagogo and Stubhub are listing tickets for Radiohead's Saturday show in London from around £400 for seating and from over £700 for standing. The official price was £85 for standing and between £75 to £195 for seating (plus fees). Those prices are almost pocket change compared with some of the amounts quoted earlier this year for the Oasis reunion shows - consumer group Which? found tickets as high as £4,442. Read more from Sky News:Anthony Joshua to take on Jake Paul in boxing matchHow a field became an illegal waste mountain in just months StubHub International warned a price cap would "condemn fans to take risks to see their favourite live events". "With a price cap on regulated marketplaces, ticket transactions will move to black markets," said a spokesperson. "When a regulated market becomes a black market, only bad things happen for consumers. Fraud, fear, and zero recourse." Viagogo made similar claims and said regulated price caps had "repeatedly failed fans". "In countries like Ireland and Australia fraud rates are nearly four times higher than in the UK as price caps push consumers towards unregulated sites," said a spokesperson.

The security service MI5 sent a warning to those working in Westminster about two recruitment headhunters to watch out for who are working for Chinese security services. They are Amanda Qiu of BR-YR Executive Search and Shirly Shen of the Internship Union. Sky News has approached them for comment and asked the Chinese embassy in the UK for a response. The message to parliamentary staff, seen by Sky News, says: "I am writing to you now to draw your attention to the attached espionage alert issued by the Security Service, MI5, to the parliamentary community. Politics latest: Number leaving the UK significantly higher than thought "This alert highlights how the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) is actively reaching out to individuals in our community. "Their aim is to collect information and lay the groundwork for long-term relationships, using professional networking sites, recruitment agents and consultants acting on their behalf." The government made a statement in the House of Commons following the revelations, saying they would take all "necessary measures" to protect the UK. Westminster employees were warned that two individuals were both known to be reaching out on LinkedIn to "conduct outreach at scale on behalf of MSS". "The alert also highlights that other similar profiles are acting as fronts for espionage," the warning continued. "MI5 has issued this alert because the activity is targeted and widespread." Read more:Blame game over China spy trial collapseStarmer blames Tories for trial being dropped Speaking in the House of Commons, security minister Dan Jarvis said: "Our intelligence agencies have warned that China is attempting to recruit and cultivate individuals with access to sensitive information about parliament and the UK government. "MI5 have stated that this activity is being carried out by a group of Chinese intelligence officers, often masked through the use of cover companies or external head-hunters." He said that as well as MPs and peers, the likes of staff, economists, thinktank employees, consultants and civil servants have all been targeted. Mr Jarvis added: "I urge all parliamentarians and their staff to be wary that China has a low threshold for what information is considered to be of value, and will gather individual pieces of information to build a wider picture. "Let me speak plainly. This activity involves a covert and calculated attempt by a foreign power to interfere with our sovereign affairs in favour of its own interests, and this government will not tolerate it." The minister said that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met with China's foreign minister Wang Yi on 6 November and told him "any activity that threatens UK national security, particularly in relation to the UK's parliament and democracy, will not be tolerated". This latest warning comes after the collapse of a prosecution into two people suspected of spying on behalf of China. 👉 Click here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app 👈 The previous spying allegations led to controversy into how the government under Labour responded to the Crown Prosecution Service's requests for evidence. Sir Keir Starmer sought to blame the previous Conservative government for the issues, which centred on whether China could be designated an "enemy" under First World War era legislation. Starmer has sought to keep relationships with Beijing somewhat warm, highlighting the value in China as a trading partner. As part of their reaction to the latest spying attempt, Mr Jarvis announced a slew of new security measures. This includes new investment in sovereign encryption technology, the removal of surveillance equipment manufactured in China, and investment in UK resilience against state-based threats. Mr Jarvis said that the government would use all its tools - including sanctions - if necessary against China, mentioning "proscription-type tool" to disrupt proxy organisations. He also said a closed-door meeting would take place with university leaders to warn them about potential influence in the sector. But Mr Jarvis confirms the government will continue to trade with China, and does not say if the nation will be added to the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS). He says no decision has been made yet on this area.

When Troy Parrott arrived for international duty with the Republic of Ireland last Monday, little did he know that six days later, he would have catapulted his country to the World Cup play-offs. First, there was an impressive 2-0 win against Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed the headlines for his red card, but it was Parrott's name being sung by the Ireland supporters after he scored both goals. 'What dreams are made of' - Troy Parrott hat-trick keeps Ireland's World Cup hopes aliveAs it happened | Teams | Match statsWC 2026 European qualifying schedule | Who has qualified so far The AZ Alkmaar striker was the hero again for Ireland on Sunday against Hungary. He equalised twice at the Puskas Arena, before a dramatic 96th-minute winner saw his team win 3-2 - a night he says will never be bettered. Dublin Airport even changed their name to the 'Troy Parrott International Airport' on social media in a celebratory, tongue-in-cheek nod to the 23-year-old's heroics. Two vital games. Five goals. Parrott has had a huge say keeping his country's hopes alive of a first appearance at the World Cup since 2022. For fans of AZ or the Eredivisie, it is perhaps no surprise. For others, the striker is often thought of as the Tottenham youngster who never quite hit the heights he was earmarked for. But his career proves that the prospect of success does not end if you take a chance and leave the big Premier League club. In fact, it might lead one of the best moments of your life. Beginnings at Spurs After beginning his career with Belvedere in his native Dublin, Parrott joined Spurs' youth ranks in the summer of 2017 at the age of 15. Two years later, he signed a professional deal and began training with the first-team squad. He made his senior debut in a Carabao Cup loss to Colchester in September 2019. Some had compared him to Robbie Keane in his early career, while Parrott trained alongside Harry Kane in the same position. It restricted his opportunities and minutes, despite there being times when he was the only fit striker in the squad. Despite making his Premier League debut against Burnley in December 2019, he would make just one more substitute appearance in the competition for Tottenham under Jose Mourinho. Then came the well-trodden EFL loan track. Stuttering EFL loans - but success in the Netherlands Parrott had five loans in his time at Tottenham, four of them in England. His first to Millwall in August 2020 was hampered by injury, and it was curtailed when he was recalled in January with just 14 appearances and no goals. A few weeks later Parrott joined Ipswich, who were then in League One, scoring twice in 18 appearances. Next came season-long spells at MK Dons (2021/22) and Preston (2022/23). The former saw Parrott help the Dons to the play-offs, scoring in the semi-final second leg against Wycombe, but the club were beaten 2-1 on aggregate. But with another underwhelming loan at Preston, the next move had to be a big one. Speaking to Sky Sports in October 2024, Parrott said: "There have been seasons that I have had before where I have not enjoyed it too much" - referencing his time on loan in the EFL. It was time for Parrott look away from England, landing at Excelsior in the Eredivisie. Moving to the Netherlands proved to be the making of the young striker. "The most important thing was to start enjoying football again without any pressure on it," the 23-year-old told Sky Sports. "Not telling myself I need to do this, I need to do that. I know the talent I have so if I am feeling good in myself and happy then that is always going to show itself on the pitch. "But it was a big step because I did not have any idea what to expect when I first came over. Moving from Ireland to England is one thing but to move somewhere where they speak a different language, a different culture, it was always going to be a challenge." He scored 17 goals for Excelsior in all competitions, with 10 of those coming in the league. Despite hat-tricks in both the semis and final of the two-legged Eredivisie play-offs - each scored at home - Parrott could not stop the club from being relegated. Despite the disappointing end to the season, Parrott was finally showing the potential many had laid upon his head since he was a teenager at Spurs. Speaking on his Excelsior loan, he said: "The thing that helped me the most was that I realised I was a striker who needed to be in the box. On a couple of the loans that I had, I tried to show my ability to come deep and link play. A lot of the time, I was too far away from the goal to score. "I worked a lot with the coach at Excelsior on just being in the box, being there when the ball is getting crossed. I think for me that was the biggest thing, just drilling it into my own head that ultimately you're a striker and you need to be in the box to score goals." Flourishing at AZ Alkmaar Having found a home in the Netherlands, Parrott made a permanent move from Spurs to AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2024 for a reported fee of £6.7m. Reflecting on his time at Tottenham a few months later, he added to Sky Sports: "No, I don't think I have any regrets. I am grateful for how the club treated me, helping me to grow up as a person and a player. "Those expectations are hard for any young player. I'm speaking like I am old, I'm still young now! It is just the experience I had, being out on all the loans and stuff, is more than what I should have at this age. But it is something a lot of young players go through. "I believe for me I've learned to just put that to the side. It does more harm than it does good. Just to block all that out. I am happy now, being able to showcase what I can do week in and week out at a big team playing in Europe. It is what I wanted when I moved here." Parrott has kept up his standards with AZ. Last season, he scored 14 goals in 30 Eredivisie games - the league's third highest scorer. One of the highlights was four goals against Heerenveen in a 9-1 win in September 2024. His form continued into the 2025/26 campaign, with 10 goals in seven games across all competitions, but found himself halted by a knee injury at the end of August. He has scored three more league goals since his return, with AZ four points ahead of Ajax in the Eredivisie table. Such is his form, a return to the Premier League has been mooted in some areas, although he is contracted to AZ until 2029. Those transfer links will only have increased after his star turn in November's qualifiers. More good times to come for Parrott and Ireland? In just two games this month, Parrott has doubled his international goals tally. Before stepping out against Portugal, he had scored five goals in 31 caps and only once since 2022. While he remains a regular call-up for the Republic of Ireland, he has been guilty of squandering chances with some of his good club form not quite translating to his country. Now, it appears the two have began to merge, and Ireland will need more of the same as they navigate a huge few months at the start of 2026. Parrott rightly said he struggles to see how the night in Hungary can be bettered, but there are still the play-offs to come and maybe even a first World Cup. The good times can roll even further. Given the momentum and confidence both Parrott and Ireland have after this international break, it would be hard to deny them more nights like Sunday.

Miles Cross, 33, admitted to four counts of intentionally doing an act capable of encouraging or assisting the suicide of another. Two deaths are being investigated in connection with four packages containing a substance sold online, North Wales Police said. Cross, from Wrexham, was arrested in January following a police investigation into sales via an online forum. He will be sentenced at Mold Crown Court on 7 January. If you've been affected by this story and want to talk to someone, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123 anytime day or night. You can also email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org to find support online. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

The former world heavyweight champion and YouTuber-turned-boxer will face off in a match consisting of eight three-minute rounds, with both boxers using 10oz gloves. The 36-year-old hasn't fought since September 2024, when he suffered a shock loss to British compatriot Daniel Dubois at Wembley in the fifth round of their IBF world heavyweight title fight. Joshua, who goes in with a record of 28 wins and four losses, promised the American "no mercy" ahead of his comeback. "I took some time out, and I'm coming back with a mega show. It's a big opportunity for me. Whether you like it or not, I'm here to do massive numbers, have big fights and break every record whilst keeping cool, calm and collected," he said. "Mark my words, you'll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities in the future. I'm about to break the internet over Jake Paul's face." If Jake Paul wins, he'll be in the running for a title, according to his manager, Nakisa Bidarian, chief executive of Most Valuable Promotions. He said: "For Jake it's doing the impossible, silencing the doubters and putting himself in a position to be in conversation for a belt, and he gets that if he beats Anthony Joshua. "And for Joshua it's pretty simple: he's been out for quite a bit of time, he comes back and does one of the biggest events in the world, and if he knocks out Jake Paul he will be idolised by many within boxing." He continued: "What we've accomplished in four years with Jake, with no amateur background, with no Olympic pedigree, makes everyone kind of take a step back and say, 'What is going on here? How is this possible?' "It angers people in boxing that we can come in and get as much attention and notoriety as we have, as quickly as we have." Paul was due to face Gervonta Davis this month, but the bout was cancelled after a civil lawsuit was filed against the WBA lightweight champion. The 28-year-old, who has a 12-1 record, last fought at heavyweight when he beat Mike Tyson by unanimous decision in November last year, in what was the then 58-year-old's first fight in 19 years, before following that up in June with another unanimous decision victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Read more from Sky News:Anthony Joshua could return to ring to fight ex-YouTuberTyson reveals he 'almost died' ahead of fight with Paul Paul labelled the fight in Miami as "Judgement Day." "A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime. When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears and no one can deny me the opportunity to fight for a world title. "To all my haters, this is what you wanted. To the people of the United Kingdom, I am sorry. On Friday, December 19, under the lights in Miami, live globally only on Netflix, the torch gets passed and Britain's Goliath gets put to sleep."

Mel Stride, the shadow chancellor, told a press conference in central London that freezing the thresholds at which income tax and higher rates of income tax begin to apply was a "stealth tax that will hurt working people". Politics latest: Number of Britons leaving the UK significantly higher than previously thought Ahead of the general election, the Labour Party promised not to increase taxes on "working people", including national insurance, income tax and VAT. It has already been accused of breaking the pledge of national insurance by increasing the amount paid by employers - though Labour said its promise only applied to employees. While extending the freeze on tax thresholds - dubbed a stealth tax because it drags people into paying higher rates even if their wages increase - would not be a technical breach of the manifesto, it would lead to people paying more tax. The current freeze in thresholds, brought in by the previous Conservative government after the pandemic, is due to expire in 2028. But Sky News understands that Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, is expected to freeze income tax thresholds for another two years beyond 2028, in a move that is expected to raise about £8bn by 2010. It is one of a number of measures being considered by Ms Reeves as she seeks to fill an estimated £30bn hole in the public finances. Mr Stride, who was speaking alongside Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, pointed to words spoken by Ms Reeves at last year's budget where she said: "I have come to the conclusion that extending the threshold freeze would hurt working people. "It would take more money out of their pay slips. I am keeping every single promise on tax that I made in our manifesto, so there will be no extension of the freeze in income tax and national insurance thresholds." Mr Stride said the Tories had calculated that the move could cost some families up to £1,300 across the two years of the freeze, and said it would leave families paying £900 more in tax every year going forward. Ms Badenoch also criticised the potential plan to raise the thresholds, arguing it was being used to "fund more benefits and shut her backbenchers up". She was referring to the possibility that Labour may scrap the two-child benefit cap, which means parents can only claim benefits for their first two children. She said scrapping the cap could increase spending by £3.5bn and result in "more taxes to pay for more welfare spending". "Nobody voted for this," she said. "If this Labour government scraps the two-child benefit cap, I want people to know that a future Conservative government will bring it back. "The cap makes sure that people on benefits have to make the same decisions about having children as everybody else - this is fairness." Read more:Labour's immigration reforms at a glanceStarmer: I'll lead Labour into next general election Meanwhile, as Ms Badenoch was laying out her plans, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claimed they had identified £25bn of annual savings based off targeting foreign nationals in the UK. Speaking alongside Zia Yusuf, Reform's head of policy, Mr Farage said he would limit Universal Credit to British citizens only, raise the immigration health surcharge and reform personal independence payments. Labour Party chair Anna Turley said: "Reform and the Tories can argue all they like about who will return us to austerity faster - the fact is their plans don't add up and would be a disaster for Britain. "Nigel Farage is happy to trigger a trade war with Europe, hammering shoppers at the checkouts with higher prices and undoing the work the Labour government has done to drive prices down through three landmark international trade deals. "Kemi Badenoch's plan to bring forward £47bn of cuts would mean money drained out of your local hospital, your child's school, and your local police. Families who are still bearing the brunt of Liz Truss' mortgage-smashing mini-budget can't afford to pay the price for more of the same old Tory mistakes."

The presenter was diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer in 2022, shortly after the birth of her daughter, Mabel. She has now been cancer-free for the last two-and-a-half years. Jo is joined by four football figures who have also been affected by the illness. They discuss their own experiences with cancer when the documentary airs on Sky Sports News on Wednesday at 4pm. She chats with David Brooks and Henri Lansbury, who were both diagnosed while playing, Tony Mowbray while manager at Birmingham and Sky Sports reporter Emma Saunders. Jo also meets St Johnstone owner, Adam Webb. In her own words, Jo takes us through her journey with cancer, how it affected her life and family, and why there is hope for anyone going through the same experience... -- It was on the 31st of July 2022 when I was told I had cancer. It hit me like a truck. I did wonder if I'm going to die. I'd prepared myself for the worst - I think you have to. I actually didn't tell anyone. It was hard because I didn't want to put it on anyone. I almost think if I could've done it without telling anyone, that would've been better because I just didn't want anyone to worry about me. If one person can see this and make a phone call with a doctor because of something they feel isn't right, then it's worth talking about. So many people are affected by cancer whether directly or indirectly and if having these conversations, putting it out there so people don't feel alone, and that there is life after cancer. -- I knew something wasn't right so I went to get checked out. I absolutely thought I'd be told 'oh it's a bit of a hangover from giving birth', but I was told that day that it looked like I could have cancer. It's not something you ever expect to hear and your life changes in an instant. But the weirdest thing was how nothing changes for a few weeks because you have that period of time where you're going for further tests and scans. They need to know what type of cancer it is and come up with a treatment plan. There were a couple of weeks where I was living my life as normal. I went to a wine festival in Cheltenham that weekend and I was looking around at everyone having a good time thinking 'I've got cancer'. It's mad how life just carries on, but at the same time, you know your whole life has changed and is about to change. -- My treatment plan was five weeks of radiotherapy every day, Monday to Friday. Five weeks of chemotherapy once a week, every Wednesday, then three days of brachytherapy, which is quite an intrusive form of internal radiotherapy. I didn't tell anyone about my diagnosis until I had that treatment plan because I wanted to be able to phone my mum and tell her 'this is happening, but this is the plan and this is how we're going to get through this'. It was hard because I didn't want to put that on anyone. I almost felt like 'I can cope with this', but I didn't want anyone else to worry and stress about me. I knew my mum and dad would be really upset and they would feel quite helpless because there's literally nothing they could do to help me in that moment. As a mum myself, you know you'd do anything for your children and you don't want them to have any suffering. I knew how hard they would find it. Chemotherapy days were the hardest. I remember the nurse talking me through it and I said 'how is this going to make me feel?' and she said 'everyone reacts differently so there's no way of knowing'. Not knowing I found quite difficult to deal with because you're looking at it going 'OK, this liquid is going into me, I don't know how it's going to make me feel, I don't know how my body is going to react', but at the same time, it's the thing that's hopefully going to make me better. There were moments where I was on the floor crying, being like 'I cannot do this, I cannot go to my treatment'. The last part of my treatment was brutal. It was three days in hospital, I got put to sleep and had 14 metal rods inserted inside me, then for those three days, I had to lie flat on a hospital bed. I couldn't eat, I couldn't move. I also wasn't allowed to see Mabel because she'd want to cuddle and climb on me and I didn't want her to see me like that anyway. But it was the first time I'd been apart from her since I'd given birth. That was probably the darkest time, lying in that hospital bed. I say she got me through my treatment and it was only three days, but it was the first three days I'd spent apart from her. When I was first diagnosed, Mabel was 18 months old. She became my focus and why I got up every day despite the sickness and exhaustion. Being able to slip back into mum mode kept me going because even on my darkest days, she was my reason for everything. Without knowing it, Mabel was my rock. I did say my first question was 'am I going to die' and that wasn't about me. I came to terms with death and that it could be the reality for me, but what I wasn't OK with was the prospect of leaving her without a mum. -- When the treatment stops, it's hard because you're suddenly just left there to deal with what's happened. You feel like the support has been taken away a little bit because you're not going in for treatment and that recovery is hard because you still feel ill. I was still very tired and trying to deal with the psychological effects as well. Things like scans very quickly become a big part of your life, as does the anxiety of the disease potentially coming back. I find some people think 'you've had cancer, you've had the treatment, now you're better', but it doesn't work like that. I probably think about it every single day in some form. I woke up with a really sore back a while ago and with the type of cancer I had, one of the biggest symptoms for a recurrence is a sore back, and I thought 'it's back'. It's quite a hard thing to get your head around that you now need to wait and hope that it's worked. I still didn't want to see people because I'd lost a lot of weight and I felt like I didn't look healthy. I also didn't know if it had worked or not and I wasn't ready to have those conversations with people. -- Being told I was cancer-free felt incredible. You can't even describe the feeling when you hear those words, that the treatment has worked, because it's all you've hoped and wished for. It is the hardest thing that I've ever had to deal with, but I've got through it and I'm cancer-free, I'm alive and life is good. It's so horrendous that you think you should be celebrating getting the all-clear, but it's perhaps not because it's a horrible thing to have gone through. I'm now two and a half years cancer-free, but I don't know if you ever really are because it's still something I think about every day. As the days go on, you think about it less and less, but it's still something I think about. I am living with side effects as well. I'm 40 years old, but it's aged me. I was plunged into early menopause, I'm infertile so I was told my treatment would mean I couldn't have any more children. Even psychologically, it's difficult. I don't think it's something that ever leaves you. I felt so happy for Mabel. You almost start to picture your little girl's life and I remember having thoughts about not seeing her start school. -- I've always been sporty so that competitive spirit comes out in anything I do. That helped me a lot when I was going through my treatment in terms of being able to deal with it and that resilience as well, it plays a part in playing sport my whole life. Then the wider football family, being involved in sports media, the support that I got from there meant absolutely everything to me. The outpouring of support I got from the footballing and sporting world, people I've never met or spoken to… when I came back to work, I posted on social media and the amount of messages from people who were genuinely so happy and pleased to see me come out of the other side. Life is good, life is happy. Life is about enjoying the little moments, spending time with people you love and doing things that make you happy. It changes you absolutely. You can't go through something like this and not be changed. It puts everything into perspective. None of us know how much longer we've got on this earth so it's about enjoying every day. You can get through it. People will help you get through it and there is life after cancer. If you or someone you know has been affected by cancer, you're not alone. For support and information, please visit: cancerresearchuk.org or macmillan.org.uk. You can also speak to your GP or call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00. Watch 'Football, Cancer and Me' with Jo Wilson on Sky Sports News at 4pm on Wednesday. The documentary will also be available On Demand.