WINSFORD worker Vikki Hogan is helping the fight against cancer by speaking out about her own experience of the disease.

The 18-year-old, who works for the Jiffy Packaging Company Ltd on the town's industrial estate, has been appearing on television to talk about the effects that cancer has had on her life.

Vikki appeared in the BBC documentary "The Big C" promoting a positive message about the disease and she has also written a book called "Conquering Cancer" which she hopes to have published in the near future.

Vikki was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease in January 1996.

After six months of chemotherapy, she was given the "all clear" by her doctors.

She said: "I think some people turn down the chemotherapy treatment because they think it will be too painful. Although it's painful and you do lose your hair, it's worth it because you can beat the cancer.

"I believe that nothing is thrown your way if you can't cope with it and tragic events in your life can only make you a stronger person."

She continued: "You have to have a positive outlook no matter how bad things seem. And, of course, it helps to have supportive people around you. My Mum and Dad were great and my friends Emma and Louise came to see me every single night."

Vikki has been working as a receptionist at Jiffy for the past year.

"Everyone at Jiffy has been really supportive of my "campaign" to let everyone know that cancer doesn't have to ruin your life," she said.

Vikki will be starting a Business Management Degree in September at Newcastle Northumbria University, which kept her place open after she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease.

"All this media attention has left me with a taste for it. When I finish university, I would like to get into journalism, TV presenting, or even acting," Vikki added.

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