Positive steps in footballer's brain tumour treatment

A teenage footballer who is undergoing treatment for a brain tumour is "doing well", her family have said.

Roxy Thomas, 18, who plays for Torquay United Women, was diagnosed in August and is in intensive care at Bristol Royal Infirmary after two operations.

A statement on behalf of her family said for the first time since the operation Roxy had been "able to breathe on her own for short periods" and "although these spells are still brief, this is a positive step forward".

She started radiotherapy at the end of October, which "has gone well" but will remain in hospital for the next six weeks while she "undergoes her course of treatment".

A fundraiser was set up to support Roxy and her family, which has raised just shy of £28,000.

The funds raised will be put towards cover travel costs, accommodation during hospital stays, loss of income during treatment and further medical expenses not covered by the NHS.

Both Plymouth Argyle and Marine Academy Plymouth donated the gate receipts from recent matches against Torquay to the fundraiser.

Roxy came through the ranks at Argyle before signing for the Gulls in 2025 where she played a significant role in a treble-winning season and was named Young Player of the Season.

Torquay United said everyone at the club "continues to keep Roxy and her family in their thoughts during what remains an incredibly difficult time".

"We are grateful to the Thomas family for sharing this update and send Roxy our very best wishes as she continues her treatment."

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.