SALLY Blood was living happily in Tanzania when she was given the devastating news her ovarian cancer had returned.

Fighting the illness for a second time, she was told the cancer was incurable - and now she is determined to raise as much money as possible for research.

The inspirational charity fundraiser, who lives in Horwich with partner Kenny Duncan, rallied the troops to set up Sally’s Army and created calendars featuring photographs of friends and family's children.

Her aim was to sell 200 but she has now sold almost 600 and raised more than £7,600, even enlisting the help of Coronation Street stars.

The 43-year-old said: "I have finished chemo but I'm on a trial drug now for life.

"The ovarian cancer I have got is incurable."

She has half-an-hour of treatment every three weeks, at the Christie Hospital in Manchester, in a bid to slow or stop the growth of the cancer, taking every day as it comes in a bid to stay positive.

She said: "It's just a case of see how it goes.

"I've certainly not asked for a life expectancy, I don't want to know.

"It just depends, they measure my blood every three weeks."

At the start of her treatment in May, her CA125 level — the chemical produced by some ovarian cancer cells — was 125 and is now 96, with 35 and under being normal.

Ms Blood, who lived in Westhoughton from the age of 21, said: "It means, hopefully, the Avastin is starting to work."

First diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 41, she overcame the illness and was living in Tanzania, for her partner's job.

The pair returned to England in January after Ms Blood was given the diagnosis and she later started the fundraising drive.

Ms Blood, whose only family history of cancer was her nan's cervical cancer, said: "It's not just happening to me, it's happening to my partner, family and friends.

"It's family and friends' children who all star in the calendar so it's very much personal to me.

"The money will go towards research into ovarian cancer at the Christie.

"The Christie has been fantastic. At the end of the day, they are keeping me alive."

In July, her friend Caron Wild, of Fairbairn Street, Horwich, took part in a 22-mile trek to raise money for the Sally's Army appeal.

To celebrate her 50th birthday, she rallied a group of 20 friends to walk from Rivington Pike to Darwen Tower and back and asked for donations instead of presents.

Ms Blood, who worked as PA to the director of JD Sports in Bury, said: "She has been so fantastic. It was her 50th birthday and she decided to do this charity walk, a 22-mile hike with all our friends."

As well as friends, Ms Blood has also attracted celebrity support thanks to her being a distant relation of Catherine Tyldesley, who plays Eva Price in the ITV1 soap.

She took a batch of the calendars to the Corrie set and actors including Sue Nicholls, Andrew Whyment, Jack P Shepherd, Sue Cleaver, Les Dennis, Paula Lane, Ryan Thomas, Bruno Langley and Jane Danson were photographed with them.

She said: "My cousin is her cousin.

"She said if there's any help I need to raise more awareness or funds, to get her on-board."

To make a donation, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/sallysarmy13.