TWO charity champions and cancer survivors who have devoted their lives to helping others with the disease will rub shoulders with royalty next week.

Allison White was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukaemia in 2009 and although she is in remission she suffers from a number of permanent debilitating health problems as a result of treatment.

In the wake of her diagnosis, the 40-year-old began fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support and later launched the Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group (GACSG) - which provides help and advice to more than 100 people affected by the disease across the North-East.

Now Miss White, of Newton Aycliffe, has been invited to join guests at a reception at Buckingham Palace next week alongside fellow cancer survivor and charity volunteer Jackie Easton.

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Miss White, whose her mother Barbara White died following a short cancer battle in June last year. "I am so driven to help others because of the experience I have had. I don't want anyone else to go through the same.

"Not only have I had cancer but I have lost a loved one to it. Although I won't get better helping others is always what I have wanted to do.

"There is so much help and support out there now yet not many cancer patients know about it."

The invitation from Prince Charles requests Miss White's company at the reception for Macmillan Cancer Support on Wednesday, January 31.

It is thanks to a nomination from Macmillan Cancer Support's fundraising manager in the North-East, Michelle Muir.

Ms Muir said: "It comes off the back of Allison receiving a Deborah Hutton Award from Macmillan Cancer Support which is for people who support other people affected by cancer.

"Because of what she set up, her support group, and the amount of work she does in Newton Aycliffe is the reason I nominated her."

While guests are not offered plus-ones, due to Miss White's ill health she will be accompanied by her carer and old family friend Janice Goff.

Also invited to the reception as a result of Ms Muir's nomination is Mrs Easton, who lives near Esh, near Durham.

A volunteer for Macmillan Cancer Support, the 65-year-old has battled cancer twice and helped found Durham Not Alone - a service run by volunteers who try to make sure no-one has to go through cancer treatment without support.

Mrs Easton said: "It's very humbling to be recognised for something you do which is rewarding. They (people who use the service) are incredible - they let us into their lives at a very vulnerable time."

Service volunteers Phyllis Read and Joan Osborne, of Lanchester, will also attend the reception.

GACSG meets every month at Newton Aycliffe Youth and Community Centre. The next meeting will take place on Thursday, February 1, at 6pm.

For more information about the group call Miss White on 07762258696 or visit greataycliffecancersupportgroup.co.uk