WHEN mum Paula McManus was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of just 32 her life fell apart.

Her major concern was for the future of her two young children.

But after a year of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment she has been given the all clear.

Now Miss McManus is to say thank-you to the staff and medical team at Christie Hospital.

She has planned a big fundraising night to help raise cash for the hospital where staff helped her through what she described as the "most difficult time of her life".

Now aged 34, she said: "They were just wonderful, especially when I got in a state. They really cared and it made me appreciate how lucky we are to have a cancer care hospital like Christies. I feel as I had to do something to show how grateful I am."

So on Satruday she is staging a 70s-themed night at Dixon Green Labour Club, off Plodder Lane, in Farnworth.

Miss McManus, who lives in Farnworth, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in March 2003 after suffering months of headaches and dizziness.

"It was only when I could not move without being sick that I was sent for a scan which picked up the brain tumour. Within days more than 99 per cent of it was removed at Hope Hospital. I had to spend a year undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy," explained Miss McManus.

"But they were so supportive and made me feel as if I could get through it. It is hard to put in to words how great they were when I so scared and frightened. My son was only five when I was diagnosed and it was difficult, all I could tell him was that mummy was poorly," she added.

Last March, Miss McManus who has two children; Callum, aged seven, and Leah, aged 13, received the "all clear" news.

"It was brilliant to hear those words," said Miss McManus,

Now Miss McManus is looking forward to the rest of her life and has gone back to college where she has enrolled on a number of courses included a NVQ in business administration.

"I really feel as if I can do anything, I have come out of the most difficult part of my life thanks to the support of staff at Christies and am more motivated than before."

The 70s-fundraiser gets underway at 7pm and includes a raffle and entertainment by Bolton Dance College. Tickets sales alone have already raised £600 and are still available. They cost £5 for adults and £2 for children.

"I have chosen a 70s night because it was the decade I was born in and I love the music of that era.

"I would like to say thank you to everyone who has bought a ticket and supported the event so far," said Miss McManus.