ANNELIESE Bushnell’s heartbreaking story is another tale of cancer, a disease that affects so many people.

Millions of pounds are being poured into lifesaving research and these days there are a wide range of treatment options, which is leading to increasing survival rates.

When someone is first diagnosed with cancer it is no longer a death sentence and there are lots of reasons to stay positive.

However, secondary cancer is very different.

There is comparatively very little funding and options are limited.

Anneliese’s message is simple, if someone you know has cancer then make sure you are there for them.

Don’t just say ‘you can beat it’ when they can’t and don’t say you can help with anything they need because that puts an uncomfortable burden on the patient to ask for your help.

Who feels comfortable asking their neighbours to help do their bins or take them to the supermarket?

But these are the simple things that you can do to really help.