A mother has spoken of her ordeal after being told she had cancer aged just 36.

Charlie Williams, of Connaught Terrace, Hove, felt a lump on her breast when she was in the shower but didn’t think she could have cancer at her age.

But within weeks a mammogram and biopsy had revealed it was one of the most dangerous forms of breast cancer.

She said: “Even after I found the lump I didn’t think it was cancer until they invited my husband and I in for a meeting.

“When we walked in we were directed to the ‘Quiet Room’ and at that point a sledgehammer hit me, I knew I had it – I thought, this is really happening to me.

“We were very emotional. Of the three grades of breast cancer I was told it was the worst.”

Mrs Williams, who is a jewellery buyer, has a 15-month son Kurt with her husband Buz and has always wanted more children.

She said: “After the initial shock the big thing for us was that we might not be able to have more children.

“Even if the cancer is cleared you are advised not to have children for another two years.

“Then I was told my cancer was hormone-related so if I have IVF to help me have a baby it might feed the cancer again and that’s a hard choice to make.

“The other thing I felt was that I wouldn’t see Kurt grow up. It’s the strangest feeling thinking you won’t be there with Buz and Kurt.”

The cancer was diagnosed on March 10 and operated on within days.

The surgery was successful and a lymph node test showed it had not spread.

Mrs Williams is now starting weeks of chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.

She said: “I’m not going to lie, it makes me very sick and as my hair starts to go I will have to make scarves the hot accessory this summer.

“I am so grateful to the people who have looked after me and my friends and family. It has changed my perspective on life and rather than feel unlucky, I feel very lucky.”

Charlie’s husband Buz will be taking part in a London to Brighton bike ride wearing a wig with ten other people called Team Boob on June 12 and 13 to raise money for Cancer Research.

He said: “This is my way of supporting my beautiful wife.”

To donate visit http://www.justgiving.com/CharloBuzKurt