BACK and shoulder pain was something Sarah Williamson had learned to with live with for nearly a year.

Believing the problem could be a running injury, the mother-of-one visited her doctor to find answers.

But it was not until a birthday hug from her husband fractured her rib that the seriousness of her condition became clear.

Hospital tests revealed Mrs Williamson had myeloma – a bone marrow cancer – at the age of 41.

The Darlington communications executive was put into the care of Professor Graham Jackson at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.

Mrs Williamson, who is married to Richard, 39, and has a daughter, Annecy, six, said the diagnosis was “devastating” and agreed to join a study involving more than 4,000 patients across the UK, all recently diagnosed with myeloma.

The trial saw her receive a new therapeutic drug called lenalidomide, following chemotherapy and a stem-cell transplant.

Researchers at Newcastle University leading the seven-year study have discovered the treatment offers new hope for patients with bone marrow cancer.

Mrs Williamson said: “When I was asked if I wanted to be part of the clinical trial I didn’t hesitate to say ‘yes’ and I was delighted that I was randomly selected to get lenalidomide as I’ve responded very well to the drug.

“For patients to get an extra two years remission is fantastic and it’s what every person with the condition hopes for as it means they can get their life back to as normal as possible.

“I have hardly any side effects of the treatment and all my pain is gone.”

Results show lenalidomide can prolong average remission times by more than two years in younger patients and by more than a year in older, less fit patients. It reduced the risk of progression or death by more than 50 por cent in both groups. However, the treatment is not yet available on the NHS.

Mrs Williamson is currently in remission with no sign of the bone marrow cancer in her body. But she feels more patients should be given hope by making lenalidomide widely accessible.

She added: “When I meet people who have the condition and are not on the trial I feel a sense of injustice on their behalf as taking this drug has helped me get my life back and I am enjoying it to the full.”