YOU can never prepare for the day when a doctor says you have breast cancer.

And at the age of 41, Siobhan Cooper said she couldn't help but feel she was too young. The Rishton mother-of-two, was apprehensive when it came to undergoing radiotherapy at the Royal Preston Hospital's Rosemere Centre.

Months of painful treatment later, she has nothing but praise for the doctors and nurses, who treat cancer cases across East Lancashire.

And now, Siobhan, a Blackburn Rovers employee, is drafting in celebrity footballer friends to help a £650,000 appeal by Rosemere.

The centre is the only place in Lancashire where patients can receive radiotherapy. The cash will provide image guided radiation to allow staff to attack the body more precisely with radiation, sparing healthy tissues.

First diagnosed in the summer of 2005, Siobhan had a lump removed in August. Radiotherapy followed on and today she is in remission.

She said: "They are really, really professional. Cancer is a really sensitive area for people, not just those with breast cancer.

"But they are just so well-trained and really good at what they do, putting you at ease and helping you along with the treatment."

As Siobhan looks after the swimming pool at Blackburn Rovers senior training centre, she wasn't short of some all-star support. On May 2 she has arranged an auction at Langho Football Club.

She has signed shirts and boots from the likes of Robbie Savage, David Bentley, Matt Derbyshire, Paul Gallagher and Steven Reid. Dutch international Andre Ooijer has donated his World Cup jersey.

And club masseur Kevin Scarborough has offered a meal with him as a prize.

"Everyone at the club has made a big fuss of the appeal and I want to say a big thank-you," added Siobhan.

Supported by pals Debbie Slack, Fay Walker and Rishton Arms landlady Dawn Booth, Siobhan has formed a fundraising committee. They have raised more than £350 in a pubs collection in Great Harwood. And on April 28, there is a St George's Day disco and supper at the Rishton Arms.

For tickets contact Siobhan on 01254 240631 or Dawn, at the Rishton Arms, on 01254 886396.