TWO years after having half her stomach and gullet removed, a County Durham woman is backing a campaign highlighting the role cancer research plays in helping people live longer.

Gloria Brown, from Brandon, near Durham, is getting back to normal life after finishing treatment for oesophageal cancer.

The 68-year-old, who is planning a trip to Venice and is spending time making crafts for charity, was diagnosed with the disease in 2016 and as part of her treatment took part in a Cancer Research UK trial.

She is now backing the charity’s Right Now campaign, which aims to highlight the realities of cancer and the positive impact of new treatments.

Mrs Brown said: “The Right Now campaign captures the experience of so many families like mine. Cancer affects us all - not just the person diagnosed, but also their loved ones.

“My husband John and my family helped me through my cancer journey. Their support was vital in helping me go through my treatment and get back to the person I am today.

“I hope people in the region are motivated to show their support to this campaign and help even more people survive.”

She added: “I’m living my life and I want to make the most of it.”