WHEN Kate Laker was diagnosed with a rare cancer, she thought things couldn’t get any worse.

However she then discovered her treatment for tonsil cancer involved her wearing an immobilisation mesh mask which clipped to a table.

For someone who suffers from claustrophobia, this was a nightmare.

However, one year on Mrs Laker has overcome the claustrophobia and beaten the cancer.

She is celebrating by taking part in six Race for Life events this summer in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The first signs of Mrs Laker’s illness emerged in Dec-ember 2013 when she had a cold and what appeared to a mouth abscess.

When antibiotics failed to get rid of the problem, her GP referred her for surgery to remove it. In March she was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, which affects fewer than 900 people in the UK every year.

Mrs Laker’s treatment began immediately and for her the worst part was the full face and neck rigid immobilisation mask she had to wear during radiotherapy, every day for 30 days.

She said: “It fitted like a second skin. It clipped to the table to hold you absolutely still. It was incredibly claustrophobic.

“I was given medication to relax me but it was like a new trauma every day - it was like going to school knowing you are going to be bullied.”

However, Mrs Laker, 49, from Chanctonbury Road, Rustington, managed to pull though and is doing well, although she will need more surgery in the future.

She said: “Life is good. I’ve lost a lot of weight as a result of the treatment and now I want to stay healthier.

“I also want to give something back which is how I came up with the idea of doing the six Race for Life events.

“Unless the research is done, you can’t have the treatment – that’s why I want to raise money for Cancer Research UK.”

Mrs Laker, who is married to Alec and mum to William, 11, and Samantha, 15, works as a dispenser in a chemist.

She said: “When I was told I had cancer, my first thought was for my children. But thanks to research, I’m now cancer-free and will be around to share more precious moments with my family.”

To support Mrs Laker, visit www.justgiving.com/katelaker0/.