A Lea woman with metastatic breast cancer is celebrating her three year remission milestone.

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Roisín Pelan said the moment ‘wasn’t even something I could have dreamed of’ when she received the devastating news that her cancer could no longer be cured.

Roisín had first been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 while she was 34 weeks pregnant with her daughter, Ivy, who is now seven.

Roisín, who is married to Michael and also has a two-year-old son, Bill, said she was absolutely crushed at being given the news.

“In the absolute depths of despair, I couldn’t even try to imagine that I would be here today,” said Roisín. “I couldn’t see a week ahead, never mind almost four years and three years of clear scans.

“They told me that they would no longer be able to cure me and they were just trying to keep my cancer stable now.

“I remember clutching handfuls of Michael’s jumper with my tears and snot all over him. I remember hearing my blood pumping and my clammy hands and the need to throw up and pass out at the same time.

“I remember telling them over and over and over that I had my little baby. She was only three. She loved me so so much and I couldn’t leave her. I couldn’t.

“I remember begging for someone else who could help me, anyone on the whole entire planet but there wasn’t a single person who could. I remember leaving the room without a single ounce of hope.”

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Despite the ensuing weeks of trauma and pain, and the years of treatment that have followed, Roisín says she’s continuing to thrive.

“I have hoped for the three years remission milestone since my first cancer diagnosis in 2014 – and I made it!

“What my body and mind have overcome for so many years now is really remarkable if I do say so myself.

“I’ll never tempt fate, I’m still classed as incurable and I’ll still take daily chemo for the rest of my very long days but it feels good to be alive! And not just alive, I’m thriving.”

As well as using her Cancer Fighting Pants Are On Instagram page to raise awareness of the disease, Roisín runs her own business, Fighty Pants, selling powerful and uplifting gifts and cards.

Roisín has also recently completed a trek through the Scottish Highlands for breast cancer charity Coppafeel, walking 100 miles over five days.

Talking about the trek, Roisín said: “To be surrounded by so many people who all want the same thing – an end to incurable cancer – is just a spectacular feeling.

“I’ve made friends for life and met people I won’t ever forget. Each with their own stories to share and their own part to play in something that I will treasure for the rest of my very long days.

“I feel I’m climbing mountains in all senses of the word. Always ALWAYS have hope.”

To sponsor Roisín, visit her Coppafeel donation page.