Aspiring actress given award after work to help others

Crystal Marshall, from West Bromwich, was devastated when she developed a facial tumour at the age of 18. To save her life, her upper jaw and part of her nose had to be removed.

This, and people's reactions to her changed appearance saw her lose her confidence and lock herself away in her bedroom, abandoning her acting dreams.

A turning point came when her Teenage Cancer Trust youth support coordinator invited Crystal to the charity’s Find Your Sense of Tumour (FYSOT) residential weekend where she met lots of other young people with cancer.   Her confidence grew, and she got up on the stage briefly at the event - a breakthrough moment after hiding away for so long.

She then starred in Teenage Cancer Trust’s Still Me body image campaign and inspired other young people with cancer struggling with changes to appearance caused by cancer with her positive message.

Crystal shared a virtual stage with royalty as TRH Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie celebrated her dedication to young people with cancer at the Teenage Cancer Trust 2020 Awards.

On winning the award, Crystal spoke of the courage and strength of her mother that helped her through her cancer diagnosis. A sentiment echoed by the princesses who spoke of the inspiration they harness from their own mother.

Crystal said: “I admired her strength and courage and it lifts me up as well. She slept beside my hospital bed every single night when I had to go down to London for my operation, even in those uncomfortable hospital chairs. I don’t know where I would be without her really.”

After the ceremony Crystal added: “I felt so happy to win the award, and I was humbled and grateful, but I don’t do these things to get an award.

“I do it because when I had cancer I felt very isolated, and whatever I do now I think back to 18-year-old Crystal and think how she would have appreciated what I’m doing now, to show her that she’s not alone.”

The Princesses even gave Crystal’s mum a shout out as they caught her taking a photograph of the proud moment her inspirational daughter met the royal sisters.

Princess Beatrice told Crystal: “One of the biggest things that I have witnessed is that strength of coming together and not feeling that you’re ever alone in this and so your determination to be that pillar of strength for so many is really incredible. Thank you for the work you’ve done. What a role model. A beautiful role model.”

Since Still Me, Crystal’s confidence has grown, leading to the revival of her passion for acting. And in a matter of days, Crystal has become a double award winner, securing a place at the prestigious London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA).

Crystal said: “What a week! First I find myself on a Zoom call with Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie receiving a Teenage Cancer Trust Award and now I have finally been accepted to drama school in London. To study drama and pursue a career in acting is all I’ve ever wanted, but I need a scholarship, sponsor, or to raise over 13k to pay the tuition fees and help with living expenses or I won’t be able to go. My dream of becoming an actress almost slipped away once, and I’ve come so far since I was diagnosed, so I’m firmly crossing my fingers and asking for donations to help make my dream reality with my GoFundMe page – search for Crystal Marshall actor.”