A mum diagnosed with a rare cancer said her daughter has been her "biggest cheerleader".
In April last year, Chingford travel worker, Anna Mills started to experience leg pain.
An initial MRI scan provided no answers and after a further scan it was suggested that she had a trapped nerve in her back.
Later, medics said Anna might have ovarian cancer.
But after being seen by five different hospitals, Anna was given the shock news in August that she had a rare nerve cancer.
The tumour had grown from the main nerve in her abdomen into her left leg and measured 15cm by 10cm.
With just 72 such cases a year reported, Anna, 44, admits she had never heard of sarcoma and that her life was “turned upside down”.
She said: "It was a huge shock. As a single parent, I was very concerned about my daughter."
Anna had an operation to remove part of the tumour, but its difficult position meant it could not be cut out entirely.
Surgeons had to remove the nerve, which left her with a mechanical brace on her leg.
Though she is now cancer-free and has returned to work, Anna has scans every three months and still faces limited mobility.
She says her eight-year-old daughter Penny has been her “biggest cheerleader” throughout her recovery, and that Penny’s school, Winns Primary, has been supportive.
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Anna said: "It has been hard for Penny, she has had lots of questions but has been really brave. I’d like to raise money for Sarcoma UK as, although I was incredibly lucky, it’s on my conscience that many aren’t as lucky as I was.
"There is no cure for sarcoma – that must change – and I would like to help make that happen any way that I can. While I can’t run marathons, I can bake and that’s a lovely thing to do with my daughter too."
To raise awareness and funds for Sarcoma UK, Ms Mills and Penny have joined forces to organise charity bake sales.
Their next event will take place at the Dog and Duck pub on Chingford Road, Walthamstow, on January 31, from 3.30pm to 6pm
Richard Davidson, chief executive of Sarcoma UK, said: "Fundraising efforts like this bake sale are vital in supporting our work to provide information, fund research and offer help through our Support Line.
"Every conversation, every cake sold, every pound raised brings us that bit closer to better outcomes for sarcoma patients."
To donate to Anna’s fundraising, go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/annamills
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