BRAVE Hollyann Prince found out she had cancer in her kidney just weeks before her 25th birthday.

Now, aged 26, she is urging women to live life to the full and take part in Cancer Research’s Pretty Muddy event to support the charity’s important work.

Hollyann, from Grappenhall, was diagnosed after she noticed blood in her urine and experienced severe pains in her side.

Surgeons removed a 10cm tumour from her left kidney but at her first check up she was shocked to hear the cancer had spread to surrounding lymph nodes and her chest.

She said: “I was shocked. I was told my treatment options were limited, but I was given the chance to take part in a new clinical trial where I received immunotherapy drugs. It was scary but I was optimistic.

“While I waited for the trial to begin, I decided to have my eggs frozen, and for me and my partner Iain to have embryos frozen too. We did it as a precaution in case any of my treatment affected my fertility.”

Sadly the clinical trial drugs did not work and Hollyann is now on chemotherapy, which is keeping the cancer at bay for the moment but she hopes a new drug will be developed soon.

“It was really strange being told I had cancer. I didn’t really react like I thought I would. Everyone around me was very upset but I was just making jokes. I remember my attitude being very much ‘don’t stop and think about it, just keep going’,” she added.

“I think it’s harder for Iain than me. I don’t cry much and I have a laugh.

“Having cancer hasn’t changed me – I still tell Iain I need to do the washing up. I know some people say it makes you live each day as if it is your last, but some days I just need to sit in my dressing gown and watch NetFlix.

“But cancer is so cruel – I’m only 26. I look OK on the outside because I’ve not lost my hair, but I’m not on the inside. And it can be frustrating to see people moving on with their lives while I feel like I’m in limbo. Some days I think about those embryos that are there waiting.”

Cancer Research uses donations to fund vital research that could help find a cure.

To sign up for the popular Pretty Muddy 5k race at Victoria Park on May 7 visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.