My Life: Francesca Wheatley, 18, Lancashire

After lots of tests, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. At first it didn’t sink in – then it became really scary. Within a week, I started chemotherapy: four-week cycles of three weeks on and one week off. I went on to daily radiotherapy.

I hated wearing a wig, so one day I went to school without it. People stared at me. Some teachers were okay, but others didn’t know how to react.

I also put on weight because I was taking steroids. I went from size six to 16 over a few months – that was really hard. I was fat with no hair at an age when you start to feel self-conscious.

When my treatment finished, I found out it had made me infertile. At 16 I was told I couldn’t have a family. None of my friends could relate to my experiences. I felt really isolated.

Cancer awareness must be increased in schools. Last month, I backed CLIC Sargent’s Wig Wednesday campaign. CLIC Sargent gave my family and I vital emotional, practical and financial support through my illness. I wouldn’t have got through it without the friends I made at its support group.

Wig Wednesday was amazing – celebrities wore wigs to raise awareness of childhood cancer. I went on ITV’s This Morning to tell my story.

Cancer changes who you are and your outlook on life, but I try to stay positive.