A WOMAN has been honoured for battling ill health while raising thousands of pounds to help those affected by breast cancer.

Pat Williams ran, walked, swam, held parties and climbed mountains to raise more than £6,000 for The Haven in Hereford.

She took on her own fundraising mission as a way of saying thanks for the help she received when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.

The 54-year-old from Cleobury Mortimer, near Ludlow, said she was delighted to have been named Heart UK’s Charity Champion of 2013.

She said: “I don’t raise money to get awards - I do it because I believe in The Haven and it is a truly vital service.

“It has helped me so much. Going to The Haven is like going to a home from home, you feel so comfortable and know that people understand what you are going through."

The award was presented to her on Tuesday by Heart UK’s Linda Main, who said the charity wanted to recognise the people who go the extra mile.

Lesley Leach, The Haven’s community fund-raiser, said: “If it wasn’t for people like Pat, we wouldn’t be here.

“Not only is Pat battling breast cancer, she also has arthritis. Through her fund-raising she’s helped numerous women and men and made a real difference to their lives, as it costs £1,000 for us to put one person through our treatment.”

Heart UK also donated £1,000 to The Haven as part of the award.

Pat’s next fund-raising event is a charity ball taking place on November 23 at Cleobury Mortimer Golf Club.