AN inspirational Southend woman who battled a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer has been selected as one of eight Everyday Heroes to feature in a London exhibition.
Sue Hickey, 67, was picked for the "Portraits of Today’s Everyday Heroes" exhibition for her "resilience, determination, kindness, and energy" after being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in December 2021.
She underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and had five lymph nodes removed.
Despite suffering from debilitating side effects, she maintained her "can-do" attitude throughout her treatment and has been cancer-free for two years.
Sue kept active during her treatment, going on daily beach walks with her daughter and attending Park Runs, even if it meant walking instead of running.
She also taught herself to swim and joined Jameela Jamil’s "move your mind" movement.
Her daughter, Maria, who nominated her for the Everyday Hero award, said: "She has shown so much resilience but takes it all in her stride.
"She has always been a role model, but since beating cancer, she is living her best life and is even more inspirational."
Sue has continued her active lifestyle post-treatment and frequently runs, swims, and takes part in community activities.
She took part in the MND 31 miles in 31 days challenge in January, raising funds for a friend's granddaughter who has motor neurone disease.
Her love for baking has also made her a hero in her community, as she regularly shares her bakes with her 91-year-old neighbour and provides him with company.
Maria added: "Mum is proof that you can overcome anything with positivity and movement.
"Cancer was never going to break her, and she inspires me to do new things every day."
The exhibition, launched by protein shake brand For Goodness Shakes, will run until March 13 at the Mash Paddle Brewery in London.
It is part of a collaboration with Marvel Studios, inspired by the release of the new Captain America movie, and aims to raise funds for the social action charity Volunteering Matters.
The Everyday Heroes selected for the exhibition have all shown determination and achieved goals despite the odds.
Share