A COURAGEOUS Allendale woman has vowed to carry on working with children as she continues her fight against cancer.

Christine Starkey’s life was turned upside down during the summer when she discovered a lump on her breast.

Whilst she waited anxiously for the results of a mammogram, Christine decided to go ahead with a pre-planned trip of a lifetime to Cuba with two of her three children.

When she returned home in mid August, the 44-year-old child minder and former primary school teacher was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer, which promotes the growth of cancer cells.

Christine underwent successful lumpectomy surgery, but was told that to keep the cancer at bay, she must undergo intensive treatment.

She is currently receiving chemotherapy at Hexham General Hospital, and in the New Year, she will begin Herceptin treatment alongside radiotherapy.

Christine said: “The plan is to be finished all of the treatment by February 2018, so I’ve got a busy time ahead.

“It’s a belts-and-braces approach to keep the cancer at bay.

“People say I’m brave, but I don’t see it that way.

“I didn’t choose to be in this situation, and going through all of the treatment and hospital visits is just something I have to do.

“I still do a bit of child minding. I enjoy it and and it gives me that bit of normality where I can focus on other people and not think about cancer.”

Christine initially became concerned about her welfare early this summer when she started losing weight and often felt tired.

“I was going to the gym but my body was aching,” she said. “I didn’t put it down to much.

“Underactive thyroid runs through my family and I thought it might be that. Then I discovered a lump.

“I thought it might have been a muscle that had become pulled or knotted and I went to see the doctor.”

October was cancer awareness month, and Christine is determined to help other people benefit from her experience of cancer.

She added: “Everyone should check themselves regularly, and if you’re in any doubt whatsoever, please go and see the doctor.”

Christine is also keen to raise awareness of the Young Breast Cancer Network – a forum for sufferers aged in their 20s, 30s and 40s, which she says has been a great support.

To read Christine’s online blog, visit https://m.facebook.com/MyjourneybyChristineStarkey/