SOMETIMES the extraordinary bravery of ordinary people humbles us all.

Take the example of supermarket worker Deirdre O'Connell, 34, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

When told the bad news, she was naturally frightened, but was somehow able to draw on her enormous strength of character to confront her fear.

"When I found out that it was cancer, I decided it would be as positive as I could be right from the outset" she said.

"I have two children Gemma who is 13 and 10-year-old Tony. One of the first things they asked me was 'Mummy are you going to die?' and I told them 'No'.

"I did not know whether I was or not, but you have to think like that."

Mrs O'Connell's inspirational attitude has led to colleagues at the West Swindon Asda store nominating her to take up the baton in the Queen's Jubilee Baton relay race.

She will be one of 5,000 people who will bear the baton the length and breadth of the country, visiting 1,000 towns and villages in 50 days before being officially presented to Her Majesty the Queen at the opening ceremony of the 17th Commonwealth Games in Manchester on July 25.

She said: "It is wonderful to be nominated to take part in this. My colleagues said I had been an inspiration to them because of the way I dealt with having breast cancer, which is nice of them, but a bit embarrassing really.

She explained that she discovered the lump in her breast by chance.

"It is so important for other women to check themselves. Early diagnosis is vital because this improves the chance of recovery."

Following a lumpectomy in April, Ms O'Connell endured weeks of radiography and chemotherapy.

And now has to have regular monthly check ups for the next five years before doctors can give her the all clear.

General store manager Tony Humphries said: "Deirdre is a remarkable person and a valuable member of the Asda team.

Her dedication and positivity are an inspiration to us all and we are very proud that she will be representing the store. We will all be there to support Deirdre and cheer her on her way."

Ms O'Connell of Beverley, Toothill has now thrown herself into fundraising.

She raised £1,000 for the Imperial Cancer Research Charity and £5,000 for the Breast Cancer Campaign by taking part in the race for life and the New York Marathon.

www.breastcancercare.org