A single mum struggling to pay for childcare as she undergoes gruelling treatment for cancer has thanked a charity for taking “a huge weight” off her shoulders.

Jane Campbell was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer of the vulva in August.

But after an operation to remove the cancer, she was given the unwelcome news that it had spread to her lymph nodes.

She was then started on an intense course of radiotherapy, which is due to end just before Christmas.

“It’s usually women in their 70s who get this type of cancer, but that doesn’t mean women my age can’t still get it,” said Jane, 44.

“I found a lump and I just presumed it was a cyst. But I went to get it checked and found out it was cancer.

“I would say women should check themselves - and if you find something, don’t wait. Go and see a doctor.

“Now, I’m having radiotherapy five days a week, for five weeks. It’s wiping me out - I’m very tired.

“Whilst I’m undergoing that, I’ve had to put my son Jaxx in full-time nursery.”

But Jane - a single mother with two children below the age of five - was unable to afford the childcare fees she unexpectedly found herself facing.

“It would have been a lot of money,” she said. “My son’s nursery has been fantastic since my diagnosis, as has my daughter’s school.

“But after trying all avenues to get the funds, I just didn’t know what to do.

“Then the nursery wrote to Whitstable and Herne Bay Lions, and they agreed to help.”

Now, Jane is keen to spread the word about the Lions, which has helped to cover the cost of Jaxx’s childcare.

“I wasn’t aware of the Lions at all before now,” she said. “People need to be more aware.

“They do so much to help, like standing out in the cold collecting for the food bank. I encourage people to donate because they’re doing a really, really important job.

“If it wasn’t for them, I would still be so stressed trying to find the money for my son’s childcare. They took a huge weight off my shoulders.”

Volunteers at Whitstable and Herne Bay Lions raise money year-round, through events such as boot fairs, quiz nights and bucket collections.

They generate about £20,000 annually for charities and causes - 85% of which are local.

Spokesman Alwyn Lindley said: “We were just delighted that we were able to do something to help.

“We are able to respond like this due to the donations we receive from residents when we’re out and about fundraising.

“Requests for help often escalate this time of year. I think a lot of people make do and mend through the year, but families want to do something special for the kids when it gets to Christmas.

“As the weather gets colder, we have applications from people who might need more bedding or furniture through winter.”

For more information about the Lions or to request help, visit the group's website.

Would you like to thank a local cause or community hero? Email whitstablegazette@thekmgroup.co.uk.