CAFE owner Linda Buckley was being treated for a stomach ulcer when she discovered she had breast cancer.

That was last May.

Now after intensive treatment 44-years-old Linda is keeping her fingers crossed that her body is clear of the disease and is getting on with life.

On Sunday she will join a Mothers' Day Crocus Walk to raise funds for Breakthrough research into breast cancer.

And she will cast off the wig she has worn for the past six months to do it.

Linda, of Moor Lane, Leigh, who runs the Mini Cafe in Bradshawgate, answered the appeal in last week's Journal by double cancer beater, Mrs Alex Farrimond, 68, of Douglas Road, Atherton, to join a walk.

She said:" After reading about Mrs Farrimond I rang her and decided to walk with a few of my family. The response from the cafe has been great and I have got £100 in sponsorship already to step out without my wig. And why not?

"I always checked my breasts, but two days before I was to a see a specialist at Wigan for ulcer problems I discovered I had an inverted nipple. Funnily enough I told this doctor and within two weeks I had had a breast off.

" I started chemotherapy eight weeks later because I wanted to have a holiday in Jamaica first. I bought some sponge from the market and shaped it into a bust and stuffed it down my bikini. Then I came back and started the treatment.

"Now fingers crossed everything will be fine and I'm getting on with living.

"Psychologically I have coped very well. I have had this business for 20 years and have worked all the way through my illness. Customers, along with husband Norman, family and friends have been absolutely brilliant. They kept me going.

"Cancer's nothing to be frightened of. If you get it you've got to accept it and battle your way through."

Linda will walk from Millers Lane, Atherton, starting at 11am on Sunday, while Mrs Farrimond will be pushed by wheelchair from The Avenue, Leigh, to the park where the walkers will meet up.

Anyone wishing to join will be welcome. Sponsorship money or donations will be accepted at the Leigh or Atherton branches of the Halifax Building Society under the Breakthrough for Breast Cancer charity account number.

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