LYME REGIS: A mother and daughter who both survived cancer are urging people to show their support for patients who are fighting the disease.

Kirsten Taylor, 40, from Lyme Regis, was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma at the age of 24. She has made a full recovery, but was told by doctors that the treatment was likely to have made her infertile. But against the odds, Kirsten gave birth to two children, Taegan and Megan.

Now Kirsten, and her mum Jan Morton, are calling on people to show their support on World Cancer Day today for those who have been affected by the disease - and have spoken out about overcoming their battle with the disease.

“I had a lump under my arm but I had had a previous injury there so I wasn't too worried about it” said Kirsten. “However, my doctor decided I should have it checked straight away and a biopsy confirmed it was cancer.

“It was a huge shock and very frightening. I was just starting out in life and suddenly it felt as it all that had come to an abrupt halt.”

After undergoing surgery to remove the lump, Kirsten started radiotherapy and was warned there was a high risk of the cancer returning, so underwent further preventative treatment.

As Kirsten continued her treatment, her mum Jan was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“That was very difficult for me” added Kirsten.“Mum had been brilliant in supporting me because she is a qualified nurse and now I had to support her too.”

Jan was due to go for a routine mammogram in 2007. She didn't fancy trekking off to a portable facility, but luckily her husband persuaded her to go.

“I'm very glad I did because it turned out I had a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer” said Jan.

Thankfully the disease was caught early and after undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Jan is now well. 

Kirsten had also been told there was a high chance she would be infertile following her treatment. But just as she began fertility investigations, she discovered she was pregnant.

“Going through cancer was a really, really tough time - but to get through it was great. 

“Then to have Taegan, followed by Megan was just incredible. They are my world and having them was something I never dreamed would be possible.”

Kirsten and Jan are calling on men, women and children to wear a Cancer Research UK unity band to raise awareness of cancer and to promote its prevention, detection and treatment.

The wrist band is made of two parts - which form a knot to represent strength in unity. They are available in all Cancer Research UK shops for a suggested donation of £2.

“I'm grateful for the treatment that saved my life and my mum's life” said Kirsten.

“Now we want to do what we can to urge people to fight back against this devastating disease.”

Lynn Daly, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South West, said: “Thanks to advances being made in research, a small donation can really make a big difference. 

“We dearly hope people of all ages across the region will pick up a unity band or make a small donation to Cancer Research UK. A small gesture like this can make a truly big difference and help ensure that more families stay together for longer.”