We have all faced new challenges in 2020 and with Christmas fast approaching, I am sure that you are looking forward to (hopefully) being able to spend some time with those close to you.

We know there is never an easy time to cope with a cancer diagnosis, but for people devastated by cancer, Christmas can be unbearably hard. That is why this year, with your incredible generosity, we want to provide the best possible counselling for local people like Laura Killen and her family who have been greatly affected by cancer.

Laura, from Newtownards, knows first-hand the overwhelming value of Cancer Focus NIs counselling service.

I woke one night as we had a 3-month old baby and felt a small, hard lump in my breast. My blood ran cold, and I visited my GP the next day. I was referred and had a mammogram which didn't show up a lump and that was followed by an ultrasound where a cyst was detected.

I had a lumpectomy within two weeks of my initial diagnosis and I hoped that I would only need radiotherapy without having a course of chemotherapy too. I thought I could hide everything from my four children; I could not bear the thought of turning their lives upside down and didn't want to worry them.

That was just the start of it though 18 months later, after suffering severe back pain, I was diagnosed with a secondary cancer and was now being considered for palliative care.

After my secondary cancer diagnosis, I had a major back operation and further radiotherapy and was put on immunotherapy and hormone treatments.

The hardest part of this time is how it has mentally affected us. I was terrified that I wouldn't be here to see my kids grow up. I would get very emotional and struggled to find anyone to talk to about it all. I'm just a mum who wants to make as many memories as possible with my family. I have learnt that its the small things in life that are the most important.

Over lockdown, I stayed at home with three of my children while my husband, Simon, and my youngest, Zachary (3), moved out as I was shielding. Counselling has been limited this year because of coronavirus, so I had to hide my anxiety and feelings from my children. I really wish I had been referred to Cancer Focus NI sooner; Alison has been my lifeline.

I still experience pain and extreme tiredness; however, the mental aspect is the hardest thing to deal with. I have learnt to take things one day at a time, but sometimes, something triggers a thought of the future and what it may hold for myself and my family. Without Alison's guidance and kind words, I really don't know where I would be right now.

Life is harder now of course, but I put on a brave face for my four children. Cancer has robbed us of a lot, especially peace of mind. I cant see too far into our future as I can only plan as far as the next scan.

My husband and children know that I love them and I will keep fighting to stay with them. Right now, my oldest is 15 years old and my youngest is 3 years old; however long I live, it will never be long enough.

Your Christmas gift of £20 today, or whatever you can afford, to support a 1-hour counselling session, could help your neighbours, friends or family should they ever find themselves in Laura's position.

With your support today, another local person could receive the care of a Counsellor like Alison this Christmas and into 2021.