THE Mayor of Wigan will be taking a break from her mayoral duties after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Clr Phyll Cullen will not be attending engagements from November 24 when she will have a mastectomy after doctors found two tumours following a routine mammogram.

The 65-year-old was told the devastating news the day after her husband Terry’s funeral.

She said: “When I went for the results it was the day after Terry’s funeral and I was told there were two cancers.

“I had gone for a mammogram and I almost didn’t go because Terry was having treatment, I went on the spur of the moment.

“I still can’t take it in with Terry’s sudden death and especially as I didn’t have any symptoms like lumps – it was just like a bombshell. All this came within two weeks.

“As Terry was having an autopsy I was having a biopsy because they found the cancer.”

The Mayor praised the swift help she received at The Thomas Linacre Centre and thanked the support she and children John and Trish have had from the public after Terry’s sudden death.

“Terry would have been my tower of strength. The words and good wishes received have helped me and my son and daughter through these tough times,” she added.

In another blow to her family her daughter is also facing potential surgery for a health condition. Since the diagnosis the Mayor has thrown herself into her mayoral duties alongside her children.

“It’s been a whirlwind month. The important thing is that I don’t want to let people down, especially with the Remembrance Services that we had at the weekend,” she said “I will be back in action as soon as I can.

“I meet some fantastic people, what has amazed me more than anything is the number of volunteers we have.

“In our borough we must have some of the highest numbers of volunteers. It’s very important for me to carry on and support these events.”

Where possible the Deputy Mayor of Wigan Clr Susan Loudon will take on mayoral engagements during the Mayor’s treatment.

The disease was picked up through routine tests and the Mayor cannot stress enough, how important it is for people to make sure that they get their tests done as soon as possible.

“I had no symptoms so it is very important for women, who like me, do not enjoy mammograms, but must find time to have it done,” she added.

To find out more about the breast screening service in Wigan Borough visit the Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust website wwl.nhs.uk/Specialities/breast_screening.