WHEN mother-of-two Lisa Roberts mentioned a minor problem to her doctor, she had already assumed it was nothing serious.

Within days, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and given the devastating news that she also had three tumours on her spine.

The 37-year-old’s heartbreaking story has touched dozens of people who have donated a total of £12,000 to help pay for treatment in America.

And Lisa hopes more lives will be saved by her one-woman crusade to urge women, and men, to regularly check their breasts for the early signs of cancer.

Lisa, of Banbury Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, was diagnosed in January and is undergoing treatment.

At a routine doctor’s appointment, Lisa mentioned an indentation in her breast, which she assumed was caused by an ill-fitting bra.

But she was immediately transferred to the Royal Blackburn Hospital for a scan and biopsy and before doctors even had her results, a consultant told her that they were ‘99.9 per cent sure it was cancer’.

Lisa said: “There’s a lot of misinformation out there and even people who do check their breasts tend to think all they need to look out for are lumps and that’s not the case.

“I hadn’t felt ill and had no other symptoms so it’s really important men and women know what to look out for.”

A week later, the diagnosis was confirmed and a private scan showed the tumours in her spine.

She was told her condition was ‘incurable’ but she said: “They haven’t said that it’s terminal and I’m hopeful that with treatment, I will see my children grow up.

“I have down days and I look at my children sometimes and it all just hits me.

“I wonder how long I’ll be able to tuck them in bed and it is heartbreaking.

“I’ve been honest with them about everything , and they are happy and healthy and an absolute credit to me.

“In spite of everything they are still smiling and doing brilliantly at school.

“They make me so proud and want to fight to be there for them.”

When a group of lively Lisa’s friends publicised a sponsored walk on Facebook to raise money to send her and her children on holiday, they were inundated with requests from people who wanted to get involved and donate cash.

A committee was formed and an official campaign launched in March, aiming to raise awareness of breast cancer and raise money for possible treatments.

Lisa has had chemotherapy and this week underwent a mastectomy, but the tumours in her spine will prove harder to treat.

Lisa was put on a course of medication to increase her life expectancy but the treatment was stopped when it was found to be affecting her heart.

To date, Lisa’s Kick Cancer Campaign has raised more than £12,000 which will be put towards specialist treatment in America.

Lynda Corben, the campaign’s committee leader said: “She is still recovering from surgery at the moment but when she’s feeling better, we are going to look at arranging the trip to Houston, Texas for a consultation.”

Lynda’s husband was diagnosed with cancer in April and had his oesophagus removed on the same day Lisa had her operation.

Lynda said: “Lisa had always said to my husband that she would hold his hand all the way through and they really did.

“They were in beds next to each other in intensive care. It was unbelievable.

“She is such a courageous, inspirational and selfless girl.

“As soon as she found out about my husband, she said ‘you use the money’.

“Of course, we never would but that’s just what she’s like.

“She’s always thinking of how she can help others.”

Lisa added: “I never expected anything like this and I would never have asked for money from anyone – but if there is one life that this campaign can save, then it’s going to be worth it.

“I tell all my friends all the time and I’m sure they get sick of me, but I just can’t say it enough – check, check, check!”