A CANCER survivor entered into the spirit of the New Year Honour’s list by awarding a tribute of her own to her husband and son.

In recognition of the support she has received from husband Jason and son Joseph, 42-year-old Helen Addy awarded them a gong.

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Mrs Addy, who lives in Downham, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and was told she was cancer free last August.

To highlight the journey her family has been through and those of other cancer sufferers Mrs Addy, who works as a part-time Spanish teacher at Stonyhurst College, is supporting Cancer Research’s “Right Now” campaign.

The campaign features a series of moving films - showing real patients in real-life moments - which call on supporters to take action right now in the battle against cancer.

Mrs Addy, who received chemotherapy at Burnley General Hospital and radiotherapy at the Rosemere Cancer Centre in Preston, said: “Last year was a very challenging year.

“My cancer diagnosis came out of the blue but Jason and Joseph have both been an amazing support. At the start of the New Year, I want to mark the end of my treatment and recognise the very special help they have given me in so many ways.

“There have been dark days, but I have a strong faith which has lifted me enormously.

“It has just been a case of dealing with each day the best we can as a family and putting our trust in the amazing doctors and nurses who have given me the most excellent care.”

In March, Mrs Addy, who is well known in the Catholic community in the Ribble Valley by her maiden name Mercer, took part in the Race For Life with family and friends and returned to work in May for a few hours each week.

She added: “The ‘Right Now’ campaign captures the experience of so many families just like mine. Cancer affects us all - not just the person diagnosed, but also their loved ones. I hope people are motivated to show their support and help even more people survive.”

“Jason and Joseph have been with me every step of the way. Nothing was ever too much trouble and I know I couldn’t have faced this journey without them.

“I have also been so blessed to receive amazing support from my extended family, the pupils and staff at Stonyhurst and the St Michael and St John Church community in Clitheroe – they have all kept me going.”

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North West, said: “Every hour, around four people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West. But thanks to research, more people are surviving the disease than ever before. Survival has doubled in the last 40 years in the UK and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

“Our campaign shows that we are working to beat cancer right now. But we can’t do it alone. With the help of our supporters, Cancer Research UK scientists can find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease.”

For more information visit www.cruk.org.