Margaret Eastwood has defied doctors' predictions and this year is the 21st she has lived with a life-threatening disease.

She wants to inspire other people and show there is life after being diagnosed with cancer.

"People are devastated when they are told they have cancer, but it is not the death sentence people think," said Mrs Eastwood, 73, who was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer in 1987.

The former nurse at the East Riding General Hospital said she always has a 10-year goal to aim for and keeps herself active.

Her experience of having cancer began when she had a lump removed from her breast but another was discovered under her arm, which turned out to be non-hodgkins lymphoma.

She said: "When I was told I felt shattered. I got home and had a good cry then got on with it. At that time I had a trip to Australia to look forward to."

The condition affects the lymphatic system, the body's natural defence against infection, but Mrs Eastwood has not allowed it affect her quality of life.

Mrs Eastwood, who lives on South Street, Middleton-on-the-Wolds, had tablet chemotherapy for a long time and was told by doctors the disease would shorten her life, a prediction which she has so far proved incorrect.
"I said if they were going to tell me that every time then I wouldn't come back. I said I would show them," she said.

"I stay positive and see a herbalist who I swear by."

Mrs Eastwood and her husband, Lionel, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary earlier this month and Mrs Eastwood has praised her husband's unfaltering support.

They were married at Driffield Parish Church on April 5, 1958. Their son is also soon to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary. The couple also have three daughters and five grandchildren.

Mrs Eastwood, who is a member of the Driffield CAMEO social group for cancer sufferers, said: "My family have all been fantastic, so has the Church and lots of friends in the village."

She is urging people to support a charity motorbike ride in aid of the Lymphoma Association from May 12 to May 16.

Anyone with a motorbike may take part and participants are to stop at the Alfred Bean Hospital at 6pm on Thursday May 15 where anyone is welcome to meet the fundraisers.
More information is available on free phone 0808 8085555.


Useful link: http://www.lymphoma.org.uk/