A MUM-OF-FOUR who survived breast cancer has opened Kendal’s first ever Cancer Research UK store.

Jennie Richardson from Underbarrow cut the ribbon and officially opened the store on Stricklandgate on Thursday, February 20.

This new store will be Kendal’s first cancer research store and the charity's 602nd shop.

Twelve years ago, Jennie discovered a lump on her breasts and went straight to the GP, initially believing it to be a lump of cyst.

Unfortunately, GP tests soon revealed that Jennie had breast cancer.

After completing her treatment, Jennie now supports Cancer Research UK in raising awareness of the disease and encourages people around town to support the new store.

“I am living proof of why research into cancer is so important," she said.

"Without advances in science, I might not be here today."

Jennie, 50, has four daughters, including twins who at the time of her diagnosis were just five, seven and nine years old.

She went through chemotherapy treatment followed by surgery to remove the cancerous lump and then radiotherapy.

The treatment went on for more than a year and resulted in her losing her hair.

The 10 years following the treatment saw Jennie take the drug tamoxifen.

Jennie is now living and working as a personal trainer, and is fit and well.

Around eight in 10 women diagnosed with cancer now survive for at least 10 years, thanks in part to life saving treatment.

In the North West alone, five people are diagnosed with cancer every hour.

Jennie wishes to use her experience to inspire others into raising money for as many different cancer charities as possible.

“I am really proud to be guest of honour and open Cancer Research UK’s new shop in Kendal," she said.

"My story is a story of survival and I hope the people of Kendal will help to create more happy endings like mine by coming to support the shop.”

The store will sell items donated by the public and by high street corporate supporters of the charity. All profit from the shop supports the charity’s life-saving research.

Jo Mewett, head of retail operations at Cancer Research UK, said: “We are delighted to open a new shop in Kendal."

For information visit www.cruk.org.