A CANCER survivor who wore a different eye-catching hat every day for a year during her treatment has been praised for her bravery by the Prime Minister.

Sara Cutting was announced as a winner of David Cameron's Point of Light award.

The 47-year-old, of Brighton, raised more than £16,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support by wearing the head dresses as she received treatment.

In July 2014 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had surgery to remove the tumour.

She endured eighteen weeks of chemotherapy and four weeks of daily radiotherapy.

Knowing hair loss was a common side effect of the treatment, and terrified of losing her locks, she took control and shaved her hair off in stages before starting the 365 day different daily headgear challenge. She made hats from anything she could find - including cakes, teapots, boardgames, radios, flowers and feathers before posting selfies on social media.

The Argus featured 80 of her pictures in its October 13 edition as donations for her cause, as a thank you to her Macmillan nurse Lisa, soared.

Sara said: "This has come as a total surprise. It started off as something to keep my sense of humour going and raise some money. I have been blown away by the love, support and interest my challenge has generated from all over the world. It was only going to be a 365 day challenge, but I feel compelled to keep going for all those who are affected by cancer and in gratitude of the NHS and Macmillan without whom, I wouldn’t be here to tell the tale."

Volunteers who are making a difference and inspiring others are nominated for the award every day to celebrate remarkable achievements.

Mr Cameron said: "Sara has shown huge strength and selflessness in undertaking her fundraising challenge while fighting cancer. She has found an innovative way to raise a fantastic amount of money for Macmillan and I am delighted to recognise her as the UK's 443rd Point of Light."

Her campaign #GoCheckYourBits also urges people to be aware of their bodies and tell doctors of any suspicious symptoms and the hats will make another appearance when she runs the Brighton Half Marathon in February.

Lynda Thomas, Macmillan's chief executive, said Sara was a 'truly inspirational individual', adding: "We are incredibly grateful for the fantastic amount of money she has raised. It will help fund more vital Macmillan services and professionals like her brilliant nurse Lisa so no one faces cancer alone."