A GRANDMA will be able to greet her new grandchild thanks to lifesaving surgery to fight cancer.

Shirley Barnes was told by her doctor five years ago that she was suffering from stomach cancer and today she relived the moment the doctor said: "You have a tumour and we have to move quickly."

Now the 64-year-old is backing the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Magic Eye Scanner appeal in the knowledge that the endoscopic ultrasound equipment can save lives.

Her sixth grandchild is due in February and she plans to be there to see her baby.

Shirley, who now lives in Bunkers Hill Close, Blackburn with her husband, suspected something was wrong when she began suffering from a burst ulcer.

She said: "I was taken into Queens Park Hospital and had all sorts of complications. I had an endoscopy as I was losing a lot of blood but I was given the all clear.

"But then later I collapsed and I was quite scared. I just remember a horrible buzzing noise in my head and falling."

A second endoscopic scan revealed a more worrying situation.

She said: "I thought the doctor was going to discharge me but then suddenly my husband and I were being confronted with a doctor telling me 'you have a tumour'.

"It was a terrible shock. He said the situation was urgent and that we had to move quickly."

That was five years ago and Shirley had half her stomach, her spleen and a rib removed. 'I was one of the lucky ones," said Shirley.

"The Magic Eye will make quicker diagnosis of all upper gastro intestinal cancers and so save lives.

"I think this machinery is wonderful and all the fundraising efforts are marvellous.My cancer had not broken through the stomach wall and the surgeon said it was one of the smallest tumours he had operated on.

"Of course there are unpleasant experiences but at least I am still here.

"There is no doubt about it -- the surgeons saved my life.

"The doctors will be able to pin point the tumour with the new scanner. Their skills are already amazing but it is imperative to give them the equipment they need to work more miracles."

The appeal is well on the way to buying an EUS for the people of East Lancashire at a cost of £200,000.