A cancer survivor has thanked the community for rallying round to help during her treatment.

Jacky Ackerman, 50, from Bridport, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of May this year.

She underwent surgery on June 18 to remove a lump and to remove lymph nodes to check the cancer hadn’t spread – which luckily it hadn’t.

Jacky was juggling two jobs at the time, working as a delivery driver for the Punch and Judy Bakery in Bridport and as a sales assistant in Frosts from midday.

But as she is still undergoing radiotherapy treatment, her two jobs have been put on hold which has led to her struggling financially.

Jacky currently has a daily 81-mile trip to Poole Hospital, which costs around £100 per week in petrol.

Among the Bridport companies that have rallied round to help her include Bennett’s Mechanical Services and Envy Hair and Beauty, together with bouquets with messages of support from Punch and Judy Bakery and Costa Coffee.

Jacky said: “It has been a major struggle but I’ve been overwhelmed with the support from friends and family and also the community.

“For example, I came home from my oncology appointment to find an envelope anonymously put through my door with £50 Framptons butchers vouchers inside.

“Ryan Bennett of Bennett’s has also been brilliant.

“He knows I have to travel to Poole Hospital for my radiotherapy which is costing me a lot.

“He took my car to give it the once over but actually gave it a full service, donating all the labour for free and persuading a local company to donate all the parts needed.

“He said it’s because he knows my situation and would like to think someone would do the same for him one day if he needed it.”

Ryan Bennett said he has known Jacky for seven years and just wanted to help during her cancer treatment.

He added: “I can’t fix people but I can fix cars; some of my family members have also suffered with cancer and I knew Jacky was finding it difficult financially.”

Jacky also wished to thank Saarah Butcher from Envy at Freshwater Holiday Park, who has been helping with Jacky’s transport to hospital, haircuts and even housework – as well as her neighbour Simon Mortlock.

Saarah said: “I just wanted to help in whatever way I could.

“Jacky is such an upbeat person even when battling cancer and we have been friends for some time.”

Jacky added: “It’s nice to know there are some decent people in the world.

“Bridport’s community spirit has left me overwhelmed and forever grateful both emotionally and financially.”