Middlesbrough mum’s infected toenail was rare type of cancer

Miss Bointon, who works for the NHS, said she found out her diagnosis on her own at work.

“I quickly did my jobs, still in my uniform, [and] ran upstairs to the consultant,” she added.

“The nurse came in and they just told me they’re sorry to tell me but it’s acral melanoma, it’s quite deep, they couldn’t tell me how long it’s been there, there’s a possibility it’s spread to the rest of my body.

“I was like, ‘what do you mean a melanoma?'”

Miss Bointon had surgery to have her toe amputated, but tests later found the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes.

She has urged anyone who has an infected toenail that does not heal to get it checked, and mention acral melanoma to their GP.

Despite her diagnosis, Miss Bointon said she remained “positive”.

“It’s only a toe,” she added.

“It has changed my life, but I can cope.”