A PEMBROKESHIRE woman who has faced her own battle with cancer for nearly half her life has been recognised by Cancer Research UK for her passion and dedication in supporting the cause.

Senga Waddilove, aged 71, from Amroth, has been named a Cancer Research UK Honorary Fellow in the charity’s annual Flame of Hope awards.

She picked up the accolade at a special ceremony in London hosted by Cancer Research UK’s chairman, Michael Pragnell.

The audience heard that Senga first came face to face with cancer over 35 years ago when she lived in Cardiff.

She underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and eventually had surgery for a double masectomy. She has been through cancer treatement three times since her first diagnosis at the age of 36.

Since then, Senga has become a dedicated ambassador for Cancer Research UK, both in Cardiff and continuing to raise awareness and funds after moving to Pembrokeshire.

She has also been a great inspiration and mentor to various committee members who have also been diagnosed with cancer.

Chris Roberts, Cancer Research UK fundraising manager for west Wales, said: “Senga is a motivator, enthusiastic fundraiser and has also been a very successful businesswoman, running a successful catering and restaurant business.

“Senga’s knowledge and experience of fundraising has allowed us to ‘hit the ground running’ in what has been another successful year for the committee.

“Her inventive ideas have also assisted other committees in the area to implement new events, following those organised by Senga and the Pembroke and District local committee.”

Over the past 40 years, survival rates for cancer have doubled, and Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to ensure that three-quarters of all people diagnosed will survive their cancer within the next 20 years.

Said Alison Birkett, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Wales: “Our Flame of Hope awards are olur way of honouring incredible people like Senga who give their time freely to raise money for research and promote greater awareness of the disease, and yet ask for nothing in return.”