CANCER survivor Debbie Share is all set to regain her strength following months of aggressive treatment thanks to a new gym membership courtesy of the Christmas Wish Appeal.

When she felt a lump after one of her morning swimming sessions in September 2013, Debbie immediately contacted her GP. Over the next few days she was referred to the Great Western Hospital where a mammogram revealed a 2.5cm tumour in her left breast. The growth was removed in October but the diagnosis was final: she had grade three breast cancer.

Debbie’s determination to fight the illness and courage in the face of adversity prompted her friend Rose Gibson to nominate her for the Christmas Wish.

Debbie, 58, was awarded a year-long gym membership at David Lloyd in Blunsdon yesterday. “We met about two years ago at the gym,” said Rose, of Blunsdon.

“She swam every day and was a fit person. About a year ago she was found to have breast cancer. She has been so positive all the way through. The word brave doesn’t begin to describe it.

“I found her outlook on this awful disease so inspiring, more so for someone who lives on her own.”

Following chemotherapy treatment and exhausting weeks of radiotherapy, Debbie was given the all clear in July this year. She returned to work part-time in September.

But just as her life seemed to go back to normal, she was hit by a fresh blow when her brother was diagnosed with mouth cancer three months ago.

“The way she has faced up to every day and still kept going is incredible,” added Rose. “I just think she is marvellous.”

News of her nomination came as a huge surprise. In fact, when the Christmas Wish team contacted Debbie, she immediately assumed the call was about her son Marc, who was deployed in Afghanistan last year.

“I was shocked when I got the call,” said Debbie, an administrator at Care Plus Mobility from Highworth.

“At first I thought someone had nominated my son, who has just come back from Afghanistan.

“I don’t feel that I’ve done anything marvellous. I’ve just got on with my life. A friend told me when I was first diagnosed to take each day as it comes and not look ahead too much, to take it as a year out of my life, and that’s what I did. My family and friends got me through it and I want to thank them for that.

She added: “I love to swim and exercise. With the membership I can build it up again. I want to thank Rose, she is such a kind lady.”

Nick Moreton, general manager of the David Lloyd gym in Blunsdon, said he was delighted to offer Debbie a membership. I thought it was an excellent opportunity to help an individual who could, like us all, benefit from our services and facilities,” he said. “We sincerely hope Debbie enjoys her membership!”