A WOMAN given just six months to live now has an "amazing" new lease of life after successfully trialling a new drug.

Allison Wright's world was turned upside down last June when she was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer in her lung.

There were no guarantees she would make it to Christmas, yet she was able to embrace it with her husband Alan, and their daughter, Sophie.

Allison, a popular archery champion who represented Great Britain in 2019, remains terminally ill.

However, the Prudhoe mum is hopeful that the new medication will extend her life beyond the initial prognosis.

"They can't cure the cancer," said Allison, "back in June I was given six to eight months to live - Christmas to February.

"I was told about another patient on this drug for one to two years, so that gives me hope."

Last year, Allison, who successfully recovered from breast cancer in the mid-1990s, discovered she was eligible to trial a drug called olaparib, to alleviate the symptoms and extend her life.

It didn't work at first, and Allison found herself in intensive care after developing an infection.

Fortunately, the infection was not caused by the drug, and once it cleared up she started on the medication again, with encouraging results.

Alison said she was stronger, and was even able to walk a short distance with a stick outside, having previously been restricted to a wheelchair.

"It is amazing what they've been able to do. I am amazed and feel very lucky.

"I still get tired. There's not a lot they can do about that, but my breathing is better, and I've cut back on other medication apart from paracetamol.

"I am aware that this drug might stop working, but at the moment I am not going downhill."

Allison paid tribute to staff at the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Unit, at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital, where she attends once or twice a month.

She added: "The staff have been absolutely unbelievable. Nothing is ever too much trouble for them."

A month after her diagnosis, Allison married Alan, her long term partner of 27 years, at Hexham House, in July.

A talented archer, Allison represented Great Britain at the World Championships last September.

"I couldn't pick up a bow at the moment," she said. "I know my limitations."