LUDLOW’S cancer support group has promised to help a young woman dealing with a diagnosis of the illness aged just 24.

Rosemary Wood, who has been given a Civic Award by Ludlow Town Council, says that she is determined to help set up a support group for young cancer sufferers to help people like Laura Hunter.

Laura, now aged 26, who is from Tenbury, received the devastating diagnosis of an aggressive form of breast cancer at the age of just 24.

She has connections with the Ludlow as her boyfriend works in the town and his family runs a garage business.

Laura has been receiving intensive treatment but says that one of the problems is the lack of support groups for younger people with the disease.

Now Rosemary Wood who set up the Ludlow Cancer Support Group in Ludlow in 2014 says that she wants to help.

“I have been in contact with Laura and want to see what we can do to help,” said Rosemary Wood.

Helping to set up networks for young adults with cancer is not all that Laura is doing to help the cause.

Laura will be taking to the cat walk in the latest step in her battle with breast cancer.

She has spoken about the toll it has taken and of her determination to raise awareness of breast cancer, especially in young women.

Laura will be taking to the catwalk in front of 1,700 people in the Breast Cancer Care London Fashion Show!

This isn't just any ordinary fashion show. What makes this show unique is that all of the models that take part, like Laura, have had a diagnosis of breast cancer.

"I feel privileged to have been chosen along with 30 others models, out of over 250 applicants,” said Laura, who has now been able to return to work two days a week.

“It's bittersweet that having a diagnosis of breast cancer can lead you being part of such an incredible opportunity".

She is looking forward to the fashion show in London at the end of September but admits to also being nervous.

"I feel excited and incredibly nervous about the show, as I have lost a huge amount of confidence since diagnosis.

“But it is a chance to help represent and raise awareness of breast cancer in younger women, being diagnosed aged 24 myself, and this definitely overrules the anticipated nerves,” added Laura.

She has spoken about the impact of her diagnosis and treatment.

"Losing my hair, eyelashes and eyebrows was devastating, but not only that; I lost my whole identity,” she added.

“I felt completely unfeminine and I struggled to recognise myself, especially with facing weight gain from steroids and treatment.

“To be able to get up and parade in front of such a large audience will be a huge, yet incredibly liberating challenge.

"I would like to show that despite the ongoing physical and emotional effects of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, you can still feel good about yourself and you can find a new identity, however much you may miss the 'old' you."

"Being diagnosed with cancer has changed my life and I am grateful for charities like Breast Cancer Care for the support that they provide and the additional focus they place on support for younger women, which is often hard to find.”