A CANCER survivor has shared her uplifting story to help show others why radiotherapy services are vital in South Lakeland.

The Windermere woman has joined hundreds of readers who have signed our Shorter Journeys — Longer Lives campaign to help bring a specialist unit to Westmorland General Hospital, in Kendal, to cut travel stress to the Preston treatment centre.

Sylvia Wade’s own struggle against cancer began at Christmas last year, when she found a suspicious lump.

The 72-year-old said: “We had been eating tacos at home and I brushed crumbs off my chest. That’s when I found it.

“I knew I had to go and get it checked at the first available opportunity.

“On Monday morning I went to see the doctor and he was concerned.

"I was seen at Lancaster on the Tuesday and had tests on the Thursday.”

Cancer was diagnosed and Mrs Wade endured several chemotherapy sessions before a full mastectomy.

Doctors finished her treatment with radiotherapy in Preston.

Her husband Frank drove her to Royal Preston Hospital every week day for three weeks.

She said the journey, in winter, caused them both added stress.

This Christmas she is celebrating her successful battle against the cancer, which has gone.

She said: “When I was diagnosed I gave myself 12 months to get right again and I’m extremely proud to have coped with treatment and met my own deadline.

“My feet are still sore and affected by the chemotherapy, but my hair is growing back and I feel a hundred times better.

“I know a Kendal service would help cut stress for others who have their own personal battles.”