Brave Denise Taylor, 58, received the shocking news that she was suffering from cancer after a visit to the doctor in April last year when she felt something was not right.

Denise, from Hartlepool's Headland, was initially diagnosed with bowel cancer. But after medics conducted scans to see if it had spread elsewhere, she was given the devastating news that it was also in her liver.

She started a gruelling course of chemotherapy, followed by an operation at the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle, in March this year to remove the tumour and then more treatment.

In August the mum of three was dealt the a further blow when the cancer was also found in her lungs.

She is currently in treatment for the lung cancer and has been through the upset of losing her hair on more than one occasion.

She said: "Cancer never actually entered my head. You think of everything else.

"It's absolutely dreadful when they say the big C word."

She added: "It's devastating, but I have got seven wigs so I try and make the most of it. The wigs are fabulous. I think 'what colour shall I be today?'

"I'm back on the chemotherapy so the hair that's grown back, I will lose. I have done it twice, I can do it again."

Married to John Taylor, 58, who works at Hartlepool Power Station, Denise has three children Jaxon Taylor, 33, Helen Hart, 30, and Russell Taylor, 22.

Impressively, she continued her job as enhancing employability co-ordinator with Hartlepool Borough Council until her operation in March and said she has received great support from friends, family and workmates.

The inspirational mum has now joined forces with her workmates to form the Denise Taylor Cancer Trust and hopes to be able to raise enough money to help other suffers with transport and child care costs in the future.

The team is hosting an up-market fashion show, called Fashion Re-Sale Extravaganza, where kind-hearted people have donated good quality clothes, such as wedding outfits, to be sold.

Denise said people have donated clothes sized eight to 22, many of which have been worn on a "one off" occasion and are of good quality.

Examples include a suede coat, suits from Wallace and expensive handbags, hats and shoes.

The show will take place in the conference rooms at Hartlepool Enterprise Centre, in Brougham Terrace, on Saturday.

Viewing on the rail will take place between 11am and noon, with trying-on facilities and items individually priced, and the show will be held between noon and 4pm.

For further information contact 07554 982121.