Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Culture Club

The War Song

Listen Live

Teenager's cancer awareness film nominated for major award

Monday, 1 December 2025 07:51

17-year-old Molly Owen from Bishop Monkton.

A teenager from Bishop Monkton has seen her moving cancer awareness film shortlisted for a major national award.

17-year-old Molly Owen created My Thyroid and Me: A Young Person’s Cancer Story with the Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust while she was sitting her GCSEs last summer.

The former Ripon Grammar School student was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the age of 13, two years after she first showed symptoms in her final year of primary school.

After undergoing surgery and treatment at St James’s Hospital in Leeds, Molly is now doing well and has dedicated herself to supporting other young people going through similar experiences.

Her film, produced with the national charity that supported her family during treatment, aims to provide reassurance and practical insight for those receiving a rare diagnosis.

Only around ten cases of thyroid cancer are confirmed in under-18s in the UK each year.

Molly Owen (centre) with her siblings, Martha and Stanley.

The film premiered at the World Thyroid Congress in Boston earlier this year and is now shared with every newly diagnosed young patient in the UK.

It has also been endorsed by the British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons.

Molly continues to volunteer with teenagers who receive the same diagnosis.

Her work has now been recognised by the Smiley Charity Film Awards, which highlight impactful charity storytelling and have supported more than 5,000 organisations since launching eight years ago.

Public voting closes on 30th January 2026.

The film can be viewed and votes cast at: https://smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/my-thyroid-and-me-a-young-persons-cancer-story

More from Local News

Finalists revealed for Knaresborough business awards

Finalists have been announced for the Knaresborough Business Awards 2026 ahead of a ceremony later this year.
Harrogate woman to walk 200km in memory of dad lost to brain tumour

A Harrogate woman is walking 200 kilometres this month to raise money for brain tumour research in memory of her father.
Study names Harrogate among fastest-growing locations in UK for Land Rovers

Harrogate has been identified as one of the UK’s top 10 fastest-growing locations for Land Rover interest, according to new audience data from Land Rover Monthly.
Big Harrogate Sleepout returns for third year to support local charities

The annual Big Harrogate Sleepout is set to return for a third year in support of two local charities.
Harrogate tech firm shortlisted for six national Tech Awards

Harrogate-based Phase 4 Computers has been shortlisted in six categories at the national Tech Awards 2026.
Harrogate MP calls for new powers to close 'cowboy' vape vendors

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has called for new powers to close cowboy vendors and restrict illicit vape shops on the high street.
Harrogate law firm donates vital cancer equipment in memory of colleague

In memory of a late colleague, staff from Harrogate family law firm Jones Myers have donated vital equipment to help enhance the wellbeing and comfort of cancer patients.
Local Hero Awards 2026: Meet the finalists

The Your Harrogate Local Hero Awards return this week to shine a light on the selfless, dedicated and inspirational people across the Harrogate district.
Police appeal after man makes 'sexual gestures' in Ripon

Police are appealing for information in relation to a public order that occurred in Ripon city centre.
Yorkshire voters would reject MPs who back 'holiday tax', major poll shows

Over half (54%) of people in Yorkshire oppose the Government's proposed holiday tax, according to a major new poll.
Harrogate charity Horticap hits the road in new electric vehicle

Harrogate horticultural charity Horticap is going even greener after securing sponsorship for a new electric van from developer the Banks Group.
Harrogate IT provider wins prestigious King's Award for Enterprise

Harrogate-based IT provider Techbuyer has been recognised with a King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development.
Funding secured for new men's mental health programme in Harrogate district

A new partnership programme designed to support men's mental health across Harrogate district has secured funding from David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.
Knaresborough Castle repairs finally set to get underway

Reparation and restoration works are finally set to get underway at Knaresborough Castle, according to a local councillor.
Opening date delayed for new-look Furlong and Furrow

The opening of the newly rebranded Furlong and Furrow near Ripon has been delayed by an extra week.
Boutique women's fashion brand opens new Harrogate store

A boutique women’s fashion brand has opened its doors in Harrogate town centre.
Football stars visit Harrogate school to inspire next generation

Two international football stars have shared a first-hand insight into their successful football journeys with pupils at a Harrogate school.
New café opens on Cold Bath Road

A brand new café has opened on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate.
Harrogate student to run length of Britain after losing father to brain cancer

A student from Harrogate is preparing to run the length of Britain, raising vital funds for a charity working to find a cure for the brain cancer that killed his father.
Knaresborough Town Women win West Riding League Cup

Knaresborough Town Women sealed a memorable cup win after winning the West Riding League Cup in dramatic fashion.