A CANCER survivor mum who has also beaten coronavirus is starring in an urgent new TV appeal to help fight the disease.

Christine Fildes, 67, from Prestwich, began her difficult cancer journey almost a year ago.

After suffering 'niggling pains' in her side for several months Mrs Fildes underwent some routine blood tests which confirmed the worst.

In September last year she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and was told that the disease was treatable, but not curable.

Mrs Fildes faced four rounds of chemotherapy in the run-up to Christmas, followed by surgery in January, and another two rounds after a short period of recovery.

But a short time later she was rushed to hospital after feeling unwell and had a chest x-ray and CT scan.

Hospital staff returned to speak to Mrs Fildes in full PPE kit and explained she had pneumonia, sepsis and had tested positive for Covid-19.

To make matters even worse, Mrs Fildes was forced to face this 'scary time' alone, as her husband of 44-years, Alan, and sons, Nick and Alex, were unable to see her.

Incredibly Mrs Fildes managed to fight off the infections and is now back at home.

Although she is fatigued she says her energy levels are slowly returning and she is enjoying walking the dog and pottering in the garden.

Mrs Fildes will also feature in a new Cancer Research UK appeal advert set to go on air this week.

In the video Mrs Fildes can been seen watering her plants, as she stars alongside other cancer patients and survivors in lockdown.

She said: “My experience means I understand the importance of Cancer Research UK’s work all too clearly.

“It’s thanks to improved treatments that I’ve been given more precious time with my loved ones, so it upsets me to think about research being held up and what this might mean for people affected by cancer in the months and years to come."

She added: “Being involved in the TV ad has been such a tonic for me. Out of the darkest time of our lives, something positive has happened.”

The appeal has been launched to help Cancer Research UK continue its life saving work which has been affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

The ongoing pandemic has forced fundraising events to be cancelled and the charity’s shops to close, meaning it it losing out on vital funding.

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North West, said: “We’re grateful to Christine for playing a starring role in our appeal and helping to underline the reality of the current situation.

“We’ve always said ‘together we will beat cancer’. But the truth is, COVID-19 has slowed us down.

"Right now, clinical trials are being postponed and we’re having to delay vital research. But we will never stop.

"Around 41,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the North West, which is why we are absolutely determined to continue to create better cancer treatments for tomorrow. However, we can’t do it alone.

“Every step our scientists take towards beating cancer relies on every pound donated.

"So, with the help of people in the North West we believe that together we will still beat cancer.”

To donate visit cruk.org/donate.