A Thorpe Bay mother has been given a new lease of life after being given the all clear following a battle with cancer.

Kerstin Morgan, 40, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in November 2019.

Thankfully, Kerstin discovered the warning signs early and was treated straight away. Following surgery, 12 weeks of chemotherapy, 20 radiotherapy sessions and 18 antibody injections, she was given her first all clear in November.

However, Kerstin is keen to turn the frightening experience into a positive.

She said: “I had to contend with surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, antibody treatment and hormone treatment.

“The prospect of having to shield while pursuing weekly chemotherapy treatment, followed by daily radiotherapy for a month, was scary.

“I took the event of my illness as a reason to create a more fulfilled life for myself and my family, by focusing on what is really important to me. I didn’t want my illness to stop me in my tracks but used it as a tool to reset my tracks!

“I can wholeheartedly say that a positive attitude and the love and support of my family and friends helped me through my diagnosis.

“My treatment has given me a different perspective and I’m focusing more on my own needs and quality time with my family. I’ve never lived a fuller life than I do now.”

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Kerstin, who was halfway through her chemotherapy treatment when the first Covid lockdown was put in place last March, is now looking to raise money for Breast Cancer Now by competing in the virtual Royal Parks Half Marathon next month.

Running was among the mother-of-two’s hobbies prior to her diagnosis and she continued to run throughout half of her chemotherapy treatment.

Kerstin, who underwent treatment in London, added: “I had to stop running when my treatment became too strong but, when radiotherapy began in May 2020, I started to run again. Every day, I would park the car in Wapping and run across to Guys Hospital in Southwark.

“On the way back from the hospital, I would often take a longer run along the Southbank, St Paul’s and the Tower of London. I remember this time quite fondly as I started to feel like myself again.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/kerstin-morgan1.