A TEENAGER whose hard work has inspired her mum to battle incurable cancer was among students who celebrated A-Levels results.

Sophie Curson, 18, from Tiptree, a pupil at Colchester County High School for Girls, yesterday bagged a place at Bristol University to study zoology.

Emotions were running particularly high as she was joined on results day by her mum Toni.

Toni, 54, was diagnosed with a rare cancer six years ago.

She said: “This is a really emotional time. I couldn’t be prouder of her.

“I can even hug her now – I haven’t been able to for the last week as my treatment means I’ve been radioactive.

“She has got on with these and done really well.”

Sophie needed two As and a B to get onto her course but exceeded that, managing two A*s, in psychology and biology, and an A in maths.

Toni added: “Sophie has continued through her whole schooling here with this in the background.

“Every milestone we met, I didn’t think I would, so I have got through her GCSEs and didn’t think I would, I have got through her A-Levels and now I’m determined to see her graduate.”

Toni has “Net” cancer which Apple founder Steve Jobs died from.

It stands for neuroendocrine tumours and is the term for a group of unusual cancers.

Toni, a practice nurse, said it has spread to her liver and bones.

Sophie added: “I had about four hours’ sleep. Some of the exams I was pretty confident with but everyone felt that way so then they can change the grade boundaries. I was so relieved.”

“I have cried three times today.”