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A grandmother who has cancer is set to feature on a Mother’s Day card to raise money for charity.

Kirsty Henderson, 52, from Caerphilly, will have her photograph and story printed on the cards, which will be sold at large Tesco stores across the UK to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Kirsty was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, after noticing a lump and some unusual changes in her breast.

She said: “I discovered a lump in my left breast and went to the GP and was referred to a consultant. But within days my nipple had inverted and the whole left breast collapsed in on itself.”

Kirsty had a mastectomy, but later found out the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. She then had further surgery to remove the cancerous lymph nodes.

She was given the all-clear in 2015, but began experiencing severe headaches in 2018, which she described as being “like a meteor shower going off in my head”.

She said: “I had breast cancer and I now have secondary breast cancer behind my right eye, which, because of its position is inoperable.”

But despite her diagnosis, Kirsty and her husband Phil are determined to stay positive.

She said: “I feel very positive about life, as I now have a fabulous team who look after me and any aches or pains will be investigated.

“The tumour was the size of a plum but since having five hours of radiotherapy and being on pioneering cancer drugs, the tumour has shrunk and is less aggressive.

“I have regular MRI scans and blood tests to make sure the cancer is no worse and although I know cancer will eventually kill me, it won’t be today, tomorrow or next month, so I’m not going to let it take over.”

She added: “I’m able to live a happy normal life thanks to research and treatment. I know how important it is to keep raising awareness and money for the vital work that Cancer Research UK does.

“I have to keep going because of my girls and the only way I could keep ahead of the situation was to keep smiling and use my humour to get through it.”

However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Cancer Research UK is predicting a £300m loss in income over the next three years.

Ruth Amies, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Wales, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Kirsty and Tesco for their support.

“By purchasing one of the Mother’s Day cards, people can make a difference in the fight against cancer.

“The truth is, Covid-19 has slowed us down – but we will never stop and we are absolutely determined to continue to create better cancer treatments for tomorrow.  

“Every step our scientists take towards beating cancer relies on our supporters. This year, more than ever, we need support to help beat the disease.”

The Mother’s Day cards featuring Kirsty are available to buy for £1 and will be on sale until Mother’s Day, which is on Sunday, March 14.