A WOMAN who celebrated beating breast cancer by marrying her long-term partner has raised £1,000 for the Millbrook Appeal.

Sue Walters and her husband, Martin, asked the 60 guests at their wedding at The Pump Rooms in Tenbury Wells to donate money to the appeal rather than give presents.

Mrs Walters, a timetabler at Kidderminster College, was diagnosed with bi-lateral breast cancer last December and had a bi-lateral mastectomy at Kidderminster Hospital the same month.

The surgery was successful, with the cancer being completely removed, and Mrs Walters said she felt like she got her “life back” in January.

She explained: “Martin and I have been together over 20 years and never got married for a variety of reasons but I promised if I made it through the cancer then we would put that right.

“We had the most fabulous day and shared it with family and friends including my really supportive friends and work colleagues. In fact, all the people who matter the most to us came and gave us a day to remember.”

She added: “We thought that, after 20 years together, we’ve got everything we need so we don’t need presents. The money has just flown in and everybody has got behind the appeal.”

The couple, who live in Bewdley, decided to support the Millbrook Suite as Mrs Walters realised “how much the funding is needed” while she visited the unit.

“Everybody is touched by cancer in some way or knows somebody that has been through it,” she said. “If I can do anything to help, then I will.”

She went on: “It makes such a difference when you are in trouble to be in your home town and treated at your local hospital.

“The staff are just so supportive and, when you’re having a black day, they will sit and talk you through it.”