A PHYSIOTHERAPY assistant feared she had just months to live when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour 18 months ago.

But now mum-of-three Gillian Peters has returned to work to help people overcome the hurdles she faced on her road to recovery.

And she is also back in action on the rounders pitch.

After suffering a a seizure in July, 2004 Mrs Peters, aged 46, was told scans revealed she had a large tumour that would have to be removed.

Former nurse Mrs Peters, aged 46, who is captain of the Mytham Ladies Rounders team, said: "As soon as I was diagnosed, I was admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital while I waited for a bed to become available at Hope.

"It was the summer holidays and I couldn't bare to be away from my kids so I begged the doctors to allow me home during the day and returned to sleep in the hospital.

"It was terrifying. It was awful for everyone. Everyone I told was just in shock because I'm such a fit and healthy person."

On August 4, 2004, Mrs Peters underwent a five-hour life-saving operation.

Within a week, she was allowed back to her home in Ulleswater Close, Little Lever.

Ten days later, she was told her tumour was benign and she would need no further treatment.

But then the struggle began.

She said: "I was like a zombie in the weeks and months after surgery and as weak as a kitten. "I expected to be full of life, but it took me a long while to build up enough stamina just to walk.

"I started by walking to end of my drive and back, and then the end of my cul-de-sac.

"It was a real achievement making it to the Little Lever shopping centre."

Despite the surgery, Mrs Peters continued to support her rounders team and went to watch all their games.

Last May, she was finally able to return to the playing field.

She returned to work in November, helping stoke victims learn to walk again.

She has persuaded the Bolton rounders league to raise money for the Brain Tumour Foundation, and hopes to raise £3,000 to £6,000 for the cause.

Mrs Peters said: "Last New Year was a real milestone for me because in the previous year I was unsure I was going to make it.

"I wanted to get 2004 out of the way - it wasn't a good year for me. Now, I'm going to make every moment count."