A MUM-of-three who was diagnosed with cancer when she was pregnant with her youngest daughter is raising money for the charity that helped her get through 'the worst time' of her life.

Sam Reece, of Dene Grove, Leigh, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer when she was six months pregnant with her now one-year-old daughter Heaven Harrison-Reece.

The 29-year-old nursery nurse had to be induced at 36 weeks so she could have a vital operation.

Now cancer-free, Sam is eternally grateful to the people at Mummy's Star for the help and support they gave her during that deeply stressful time and is determined to repay them by raising funds and awareness for the work they do.

On Thursday she raised £180 at a bake sale at the First Steps Nursery in Lowton where she works on Thursday and is planning to organise further fundraisers for what is the only charity in the UK and Ireland that is dedicated to helping women and their families affected by cancer during pregnancy.

Sam said: “I was so happy to be pregnant, but at six months I was told I had cancer.

“I had two operations, one when Heaven was just six weeks old and another after she was born.

"It was just awful but everyone at Mummy’s Star supported me and helped me get through it so that I could be there for my three daughters.

"Raising money and awareness for the charity is my way of giving back to those wonderful people and hopefully help other families going through what I went through.

“I want to get my daughters involved in future events to show them how much the charity has given to us.

“I hope more people can give money to this amazing charity, which literally turned my life around.”

To find out more about the charity visit mummysstar.org.