'I am asking affected by people to shine a light for all this devastating disease...'

JENNIE HOPING HER STORY WILL INSPIRE OTHERS TO SIGN UP FOR FUND-RAISING CANCER WALK

- By JASMINE SIDDON

A LEICESTER woman who was left reeling after being diagnosed with two different cancers in the space of six months is now looking to inspire others with her story - and to encourage people to take part on a fundraising walk.

Jennie Caswell was treated for breast cancer less than a year after recovering from thyroid cancer and is now looking to give others with the disease hope through sharing her story.

The 63-year-old was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in June last year after having blood tests for extreme tiredness.

Following surgery to remove the thyroid, she was in for more shocking news after finding a lump on the side of her breast, underneath her arm, while on holiday in December.

Jennie, a donor carer for the NHS Blood & Transplant Service, underwent a mastectomy and breast reconstruction in February before beginning chemotherapy treatment.

She said: "It hasn’t been easy, but these drugs are saving my life so I'm grateful for the treatment I’ve been able to have.

"The side-effects of treatment mean I suffer from neuropathy in my feet and sometimes it’s like walking barefoot on ball-bearings, but my husband Phil has been my rock.

"I’ve just been taking things one day at a time, but I don’t know how I would have coped without him.”