A BRAVE cancer victim has lost her breast and her hair - but not her spirit, humour or determination.

Grandmother, Cheryl Gallimore of George Street, Farnworth, was diagnosed with breast cancer in November and has since had a mastectomy.

She is currently undergoing chemotherapy and has lost all her hair as a result, but just as Cheryl knows it will re-grow, she knows her life can also be re-built. She said: "Before I was diagnosed I had a feeling something wasn't right but after having a routine mammogram it was still a huge shock to be told I had breast cancer. I refused to believe it at first and said I couldn't have an operation as I had just started a new job! But in the end I faced up to it, I had the operation and now I feel marvellous." Mrs Gallimore said her husband Tom who works for First buses has been a solid and continuous source of support, as have hospital staff, her family and her in-laws.

She said: "Everyone has been absolutely fantastic. The most important thing is to keep positive, don't let yourself dwell on what's happened and make the most of all the support you are given. You must not think that's the end, it isn't. I thought to myself I can sink or I can swim - and there is no chance I am going to sink!"

Mrs Gallimore is now looking forward to the future, to her hair growing back, her Cornwall holiday and most of all to going back to work at Peter Hunts Bakery.

She said: " I think the BEN's campaign is brilliant. Breast cancer is not publicised enough and I can't stress enough to women to be aware. Get yourself checked out and don't ignore the signs, it's far better to be safe than sorry."

Her husband Tom added : "If just one reader's life is saved by being prompted into action by the campaign, it will have been well worthwhile."