IT can sometimes be easy to take the work that our NHS staff do, tending to the poorly in their hour of need, for granted.

And it is also easy to forget that these lifesavers are also human beings who can suffer serious illnesses themselves.

Dawn Wright, an associate practitioner in Warrington Hospital's A&E department, is one such person in this situation - having been diagnosed with cervical cancer in December 2017.

The 44-year-old was diagnosed just 10 months after her last clear smear test.

After undergoing radiotherapy, chemotherapy and brachytherapy, Dawn went into remission.

Then, the cancer returned in three places and she is now awaiting tests results before her future treatment is determined - which could mean life-saving surgery or palliative care.

But with the support of her colleagues, Dawn continues to deliver vital support to the people of Warrington - and is also keen to raise awareness of the symptoms of cervical cancer.

The Howley resident said: "People often ask me how I am coping and why I’m in work, and my response is always the same - my faith, my family and my friends keep me going.

"I want to continue to work to help others to the best of my ability while I am still fit and able to do so.

"It is so important to keep up with your smear tests but be aware of the symptoms, because cancers can appear in between your smear dates.

"Symptoms to be aware of are abnormal bleeding, post coital bleeding, bleeding in between menstrual cycle discharge that is unusual in amount, colour, consistency, smell, frequent urination, pelvic pain, painful urination."

Dawn has been able to continue working with Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's staff workplace health and wellbeing team while receiving her treatment.

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The team delivers services including consultations, counselling, physiotherapy and flu jabs.

Colleagues also set up a JustGiving page to support Dawn and her family during her treatment.

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She added: "I have been overwhelmed by the support from the trust, especially the team in the emergency department during my first diagnosis.

"They were a pillar of strength considering the extreme work pressures they are constantly under.

"As well as the professional support, my line managers and colleagues made time for me in their personal time and kindly created a JustGiving page - which allowed my daughter and I to have some quality time in very difficult circumstances.

"They knew I wanted to stay in work and that it was important to me to be able to function, and they worked with me to accommodate my needs.

"I had colleagues and managers check on me regularly when I did have to take time off; they made it so much easier for me to carry on.

"The workplace health and wellbeing team are amazing for a small team, and have really made my cancer work journey so much easier by guiding me through what I can and can’t do and being there when I am having a down day.

"I don't think I will ever be able to thank them for everything they have done for me."