ANDREA Ferris has won her long battle against leukaemia - and is now in the running to win a national title.

The 25-year-old of Burns Avenue, Bury fought the illness for five years during which time she suffered a stroke and missed months of vital schooling.

Despite her setback she went on to gain five GCSEs, three A levels and a 2:1 hons degree in American studies and sociology.

Now she has been selected as a finalist for a 1998 Goldwell/Eva Achiever Award, run by women's magazine Eva.

Andrea, 25, said: "I entered the competition in April and thought no more about it. Then in July I had a phone call to say I'd reached the finals."

Next month the former Holy Cross College student will join six other finalists at the Cafe Royal, London, where she will have a make-over and stay over night in a top hotel.

After being diagnosed with the leukaemia at the age of eight, Andrea underwent five years of extensive chemotherapy. The treatment made her hair fall out and left her prone to infections. When she was nine she suffered a stroke which paralysed the left side of her body.

But with determination she gradually learned to walk again.

"It was up to me," said Andrea. "It was a long slow process, but because of my age it was easier to learn.

"I had to work that extra bit harder at school and things like that, but it made me more and more determined. I felt I had more to prove."

Andrea still has to have regular check-ups at hospital each year, although her leukaemia is now in remission.

She said: "At the end of the day you always hear about someone who is worse off. I'm not bothered about winning, I'll just enjoy the whole day."

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