A MUM-OF-TWO has said she has her 11-month-old granddaughter to thank for keeping her going after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Jackie Martin, of Greenings Court, is holding a breast cancer awareness fundraiser this weekend to celebrate getting better after enduring a mastectomy, chemo and radiotherapy treatment.

The 56-year-old said: “I never thought it would happen to me in a million years as I never smoked and wasn’t a drinker.

“I’ve got a beautiful granddaughter, Kaya, so I keep going for her.

“I waited a long time for her to come and my son would bring pictures of her when I was having chemo and say this is who you’re fighting for mum.

“I’m getting there slowly but surely now.”

Jackie initially found a lump at the top of her arm and went to see her doctor.

A 2.5cm lump was later found in her breast in May 2012, as well as the cancer spreading to her lymph nodes, and she had to have a mastectomy in June last year.

Jackie, whose husband Terence of nearly 29 years died aged 55, said: “Nothing can get worse than losing your husband but I was devastated when I found out they would have to take my breast off.

“But you have just got to get on with it and start building your life back up.

“I was so poorly but if I can get through it, lots of other people can too.

The fundraiser idea was born when her son Scott, aged 33, said they would have a party when Jackie was better.

She suggested instead they do it for breast cancer and said she was been stunned by people’s generosity regarding ticket sales and raffle prizes.

Daughter Emma, aged 31, said: “We wouldn’t have thought when she was diagnosed eight months ago we would be doing this but our mum has been so strong.”

The event takes place on Friday