A WOMAN’S battle with cancer led to a mastectomy and an impromptu tattoo.

Pippa Parker decided to take back control of her body by having a hummingbird design placed on the area where she had surgery.

Mrs Parker was inspired by the symbol’s meaning of good health and happiness.

The 55-year-old from Stonegate, near Burwash, was diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years ago and had to have gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as surgery.

She is now marking the 15 years by taking part in a fundraising 100km night-time bike ride to raise money for charity.

In 2001 Mrs Parker put her increasing tiredness down to juggling work with looking after her sick mother.

However, she noticed a strange marking on her left breast and her concerned mother insisted she see a GP, who promptly referred her to a breast clinic.

Mrs Parker said: “The breast cancer was diagnosed immediately at the clinic, and within three weeks I was having a mastectomy.

“The cancer had spread across my chest and also into my lymph glands so I had to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy which went on until April the next year.

She also had to have a hysterectomy because of the type of cancer she had.

Mrs Parker said: “It was a real rollercoaster journey for about 18 months and once it was all over I was physically and emotionally drained and my brain was pretty frazzled from it all.”

Once the treatments were over, Mrs Parker decided to try to recharge her batteries by going on a cruise around Alaska.

While on the ship she read about Native American art and culture and found herself drawn to the image of a hummingbird.

She said: “It was not often seen in North America but when it was, it was considered to be a messenger from God and a good omen. Having been through what I had, something about this struck a chord with me.”

Finding herself at a loose end on shore one day, Mrs Parker found a small tattoo parlour and decided to have the hummingbird design done.

She said: “I had never had a tattoo before and I’ve never had one since but as I already bore the scars of surgery I saw this as a great opportunity to make my own, more attractive mark on my body.”

Mrs Parker and her husband Chris are both keen long-distance cyclists and she is now preparing to take on a 100km women’s only bike ride in London on May 28 with a group of friends.

Money raised will be going to various cancer charities, including Breast Cancer Care.

To support the team, visit justgiving.com/jellyteam

To sign up, visit ridethenight.co.uk.