A WOMAN who has terminal cancer has turned her pain into positivity by raising £700 for Brighter Futures.

Last December Lynda Ashmore’s world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.

Having suffered with the disease on two previous occasions, Lynda, 68, of West Walcot, knew the battle she faced.

But being told that this time the cancer was incurable was a big blow.

Former Seven Fields Primary School teacher Lynda said: “I had breast cancer grade 1 in 1992 and grade 2 in 2006, both requiring a course of radiotherapy at Churchill Hospital in Oxford.

“I was 43 when I first needed to go to Oxford for 20 sessions of radiotherapy every other day. I was working as a teacher so needed weeks off work.

“I initially drove myself but soon discovered this is not to be advised as fatigue sets in and in my case, break down of the skin which is very painful.

“My whole life was taken over by this very necessary treatment, but the journey to Oxford was a chore.

“I completely relied on friends and family who drove me to hospital. We sat in a traffic jam in and out of Oxford once for nearly two hours after having the treatment – not good for me or my friend.

“I would dread having an early or late appointment as that meant traffic problems. The treatment is tiring enough without having to add at least an hour’s journey there and back each time.”

It’s those experiences that drove Lynda to do something to help bring radiotherapy to Swindon, where it is desperately needed.

Earlier this month, she invited friends and neighbours to her home for a coffee morning, which lasted most of the day and managed to bring in a very impressive £700 for the radiotherapy appeal.

Lynda said: “My family, friends and neighbours gave so generously I was overwhelmed. It showed how strongly everyone felt about bringing a radiotherapy unit to Swindon and how everyone is affected by cancer whether they are suffering themselves or know someone who is.

“I know I may need some radiotherapy in the future as will many hundreds of others so to bring a unit to Swindon will be fantastic and desperately needed.”

She highlighted the fact that so many people are affected by cancer and the appeal is something people can get behind.

“I felt very proud of everyone who supported me. A big thanks to them all.”

So far £1,500,000 has been raised for Brighter Futures. The team is very grateful for every single donation and wish to thank everyone for their support. To donate you can send cut out and send in the attached form or log on to: www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.