BBC radio presenter Val Armstrong is Cumbria Woman of the Year 2011 (From The Westmorland Gazette)

BBC radio presenter Val Armstrong is Cumbria Woman of the Year 2011

10:47am Saturday 26th November 2011 in Allerdale news By Kate Proctor, Reporter

A radio presenter battling cancer has been named Cumbria Woman of the Year 2011.

Val Armstrong from BBC Radio Cumbria has been diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time and made her experience of the illness public to help other women.

At a ceremony at the Wordsworth Hotel in Grasmere she was praised for 'never showing self pity' and for sharing often very personal moments on an online blog to inspire other cancer sufferers.

Chairwoman of the organising committee Tess Hart, said: "This incredible woman is an enthusiastic advocate for the county.

"In fighting her own adversity, she has given comfort and inspiration to countless other women and their families and empowered them to cope."

Miss Armstrong has been a presenter with BBC Radio Cumbria for 30 years and even when undergoing chemotherapy and a double masectomy, her microphone never left her side.

She has previously said as long as she had her microphone, she was never alone.