A EXPECTANT mother is appealing for support as she battles a rare type of blood cancer.

Welcoming a new baby into the world is a exciting time for any mother and for Neasham music teacher Janine Busbridge, it was no exception.

Mrs Busbridge, 34, was thrilled to find out that she and her husband Luke would be welcoming a baby girl due July. At the beginning of March however, the couple were met with more life-changing news, which on this occasion was no cause to celebrate - Mrs Busbridge, at five months pregnant, had cancer.

After noticing that her lymph nodes appeared swollen in her neck for a few months, the 34-year-old music teacher was referred to the haematology department at James Cook Hospital for tests. Here she was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma - a uncommon type of blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system.

"I'm feeling fairly positive about the outcome," said Mrs Busbridge. "I've been told that my chances are good, and that the survival rate is 92%, so I'm hopeful.

"There are obviously times where I do worry about being in that 8% minority, but I can't let those thoughts overcome me."

After the diagnosis, Mrs Busbridge was faced with the choice to either terminate the pregnancy in order to begin treatment immediately, or begin chemotherapy once the baby is born, which was what she chose to do.

"The cancer will not affect the baby's health, which has always been my priority. I've been advised that they can safely induce me at 34 weeks if they need to treat me sooner, but doctors are happy to wait for the moment," she said.

Once the new baby arrives in July, Mrs Busbridge will undergo a minimum of six months of chemotherapy and potentially radiotherapy.

Her long-term treatment will mean that she, along with Mr Busbridge, will be forced to take unpaid time off work for a unknown amount of time with only statutory maternity pay to live in during these months.

Concerned about the financial impact this situation could have on her family, including her 14-year-old daughter Jessica Wadge, Mrs Busbridge started a GoFundMe page to raise money to go towards essential outgoings such as utility bills and rent.

"I pride myself on being fiercely independent, and I've never been the type of person who can ask others for help," Mrs Busbridge said. "But I'm so worried about how we are going to manage that I have had no choice but to reach out and ask for support.

"I had several friends who all wanted to help ease the burden and donate something towards us keeping a roof over our heads, which I'm incredibly grateful for.

"It was one of my friends who suggested that I made the GoFundMe page so that everyone can donate in one place.

"It was a sort of a wing and a prayer to be honest, but I am blown away with how generous people have been so far. I'm so thankful."

Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/bb3fw-cancer-fund