CANCER patient Debbie Worthington was determined to repay the hospital which gave her life-saving treatment.

The 32-year-old financial consultant was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph system, in August 1999.

And as soon as her cancer was in remission after treatment at Christie Hospital, she set about raising money for the hospital.

Over the past three years, Debbie, of Aspull, has raised an amazing £31,000 through an annual sponsored walk around Rivington Pike.

However, her survival was tinged with sadness when it was thought the treatment had made her infertile.

Then, on her most recent Rivington walk in August, she experienced stomach pains and was terrified the cancer might have returned.

But a visit to the doctor brought a completely different diagnosis: she was seven months pregnant.

And to Debbie's joy, Dylan was born in November.

As she and husband Andrew presented to Christie Hospital the £10,000 proceeds of last year's sponsored walk, she spoke of the happiness her son had brought her.

She said: "Andrew and I are so delighted. When I was diagnosed with cancer there was no time to freeze my eggs, and I had chemotherapy for six months. I thought I would never be able to conceive.

" We feel truly blessed. Not only have I been given another chance at life, but now we have a future to look forward to with our perfect son. I'll always be grateful to Christie's for everything they did for me."

Her consultant, Professor John Radford, was presented with the cheque and praised Debbie's continuing dedication to supporting the hospital's work.

He said: "We are delighted that Debbie's cancer is in remission and that following treatment she has given birth to a healthy little boy. This kind of positive news makes our work all the more worthwhile".

Debbie's latest donation of £10,000 will be split between lymphoma research and the hospital's general research fund. Debbie said: "Andrew and I would like to thank all the people who have been so good to us in the past year. Friends, family and colleagues have been amazingly supportive, both in terms of getting involved with the fundraising and helping with Dylan." She stressed that despite the attention Dylan's birth had brought, they were looking forward to getting back to normal life.

Debbie has returned to her job as a financial consultant at Lloyds TSB, Atherton, and intends to carry on fundraising for Christie's. Her next sponsored walk is planned for August 3.

Anyone wishing to take part should contact the Christie Hospital Appeals Office on 0161 4463988.