A WOMAN who has survived cancer for ten years is urging people to back a national fundraising campaign.

Ann Sandeman, of Hillside Road, Hastings, is calling on Sussex to take a coffee break in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The 46-year-old was joined by friends Paula Taylor, Amanda Charlesworth and Sarah Luff for her own coffee morning.

Ms Sandeman was diagnosed with breast cancer ten years ago when she was pregnant.

She had chemotherapy treatment and went on to give birth to a healthy baby, Ben, now nine.

However the cancer returned in 2010, this time in Ms Sandeman’s chest cavity and she faced even more gruelling treatment to reduce an inoperable tumour which had wrapped around her heart.

The single mother has now undergone eight courses of chemotherapy, four courses of radiotherapy and numerous major operations.

Ms Sandeman’s cancer is incurable but treatable and the disease has been held at bay.

Despite being in almost daily pain and facing an uncertain future, Ms Sandeman, who is also mother to Hannah, 13, and Emma, ten, keeps a positive outlook on life.

She said: “It’s my children who keep me going.

“I’m delighted to help launch Cancer Research UK’s coffee morning.

“It’s a simple, easy and fun way to raise money for research to help more people, like me, survive cancer.

“I’m urging everyone to take part – at home, work or school – to help make a difference.”

Supporters can sign up for a free fundraising pack and host a coffee morning any time until the end of May.

The pack contains everything needed to plan a perfect event, including posters, balloons, recipe suggestions and fundraising ideas.

Sussex Cancer Research UK spokeswoman Lynn Daly said: “Signing up and hosting the event is a piece of cake.

“I hope people have got a thirst for hosting a coffee morning and help raise money with donations in exchange for a cuppa, snack and chat.

“We all love a good brew and taking time out for elevenses is a great way to catch up with friends and colleagues.

“Every donation will help save lives by funding research that’s accelerating the charity’s progress in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.”