WHATEVER grade is inside A-level student Cally-Jo Purnell's envelope today, she says she has already won the biggest fight of all.

Last week, the 19-year-old from Duke Street, Abertillery, was told she was in remission by doctors after being diagnosed with lymphatic cancer nearly two years ago.

Cally-Jo found out she had cancer in October 2004 - as she prepared to sit her A-levels at Coleg Gwent's Cross Keys College.

But instead of giving up, the brave teen reduced her workload from three A-levels to two and fought on to get A grades in both psychology and media studies last summer.

She said: "It was a hard year because I was having radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

"But I just tried not to worry and get on with life."

This year, she was determined to get the final A grade she needs to win her a place at Cardiff University to study psychology and criminology.

She said: "It's hard to have the pressure of needing that A. B is a good grade, but I really need an A to get me into Cardiff."

Cally-Jo studied for her A-level in law at Coleg Gwent's Ebbw Vale campus in evening classes.

By day, she worked in a sales office in Abertillery, to raise money towards her studies.

She said while juggling treatment, work and evening class was a challenge, it was nothing compared to the first year of cancer treatment.

Although she said the exam went well, Cally-Jo faced a nervous few months over the summer.

Today the long wait was finally over when she learnt she had got her A-level in law when she went to pick up her results accompanied by boyfriend Gavin.

Cally-Jo said: "We've been together for four years, so he's supported me through all of this."

But whatever her grade, Cally-Jo realises her health is the most important thing of all and says there were huge celebrations with family and friends when she found out the cancer was gone.

Words of support also came from Coleg Gwent. Ann Berry, Ebbw Vale campus director, said: "Cally-Jo should be really proud of her efforts. Best wishes for the future from everyone at the campus."