SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: RUTH Meacham was told she had ovarian cancer last June.

She was also told the disease was inoperable.

Since then the 66-year-old from Rodbourne has undergone sessions of chemotherapy spanning six months and must now decide whether she wants to go through it again.

"The chemotherapy helped a bit but it makes you feel rotten," she said. "It works on the cancer but it really is hard on the rest of your body and isn't a nice thing to go through.

"But the staff at Prospect have really taken me under their wing. I get a lot of help and support and they help you come to terms with what's happening.

"I was really upset when I first found out. It was such a shock. But over the months I have come to live with the fact that I have cancer.

"The day hospice groups here aren't doom and gloom. We know what we've got and are all in the same boat which helps us through the illness.

"We actually have quite a laugh.

"I think the appeal to raise more money for Macmillan nurses is a brilliant idea."

Ruth, whose husband Robert died 10 years ago, has now been told she will need a stronger dose of chemotherapy.

She said: "I don't know what to do now. At the moment I have refused more chemotherapy but I need to really think about it.

"I have two daughters who have helped me through the chemo for which I'm very grateful. They have been a wonderful support."

Ruth was first alerted to the cancer following a 12-month illness.

She explained: "I was gradually losing weight and over a few months I lost four stone. I hadn't felt well for an entire year.

"Talk about the silent cancer. I'd had all my scans and it hadn't shown up. When they found the cancer it was too far gone.

"The one good thing about having the chemo was I was told to eat lots of chocolate and sweets to keep my strength up.

"It was great and I soon put on the four stone again."

To make a donation online, click here.

Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.