A WOMAN who has raised more than £40,000 since being diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour has won a national award recognising her efforts.

Anna Swabey, 24, was told in February 2015 that she had at the most three years to live as a result of the grade three brain tumour.

In the face of everything the recently titled honourary Rotarian set her sights on raising as much money for The Brain Tumour Research Campaign (BTRC).

She has now been chosen to receive the prestigious Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland’s Young Citizen Award for her positive community work.

"I couldn't believe I had been nominated in the first place and that was nice recognition," said Miss Swabey, of Newton Aycliffe.

"When I got the phone call I was literally over the moon to know that not only the Rotary Club of Newton Aycliffe thought I deserved it but that other people did too was just amazing - it's good news to brighten up a tough time."

Miss Swabey, who is currently undergoing a 12-month cycle of chemotherapy, is one of seven people under 25 to receive an award and a £500 prize, which she plans to donate to BTRC.

As well as raising awareness of the disease, she has already raised more than £40,000 for the charity since March last year in the hope of "ultimately" finding a cure.

"I don't do any of it for my own benefit," she added.

"I work towards helping others and hopefully if I survive long enough hopefully a treatment will be found to help me."

Miss Swabey has promoted her campaign on her blog annaswabey.wordpress.com and has organised a number of events including charity balls.

She also hoped to run the Paris Marathon in April this year but due to advice from her doctors had to pull out.

The determined university graduate is now coordinating a team of 16 who will be running in her name for BTRC.

And due to the date of the marathon she will be unable to pick up her award in person at the Rotary conference in Bournemouth.

Eve Conway, vice president for Rotary GBI, added: “Anna is a truly courageous young lady who was determined to do something positive for others following her diagnosis, and it was clear that the Newton Aycliffe Rotary Club were proud to have Anna as their latest member."