A CANCER survivor handed out goody bags at Whiston Hospital yesterday to fellow patients exactly one year after finishing her chemotherapy treatment.

Victoria Latham, 40, was diagnosed with AQL (acute myeloid leukaemia) last year after being rushed into hospital.

She was subsequently informed that 60 per cent of her blood cells were already infected and that without treatment she could have been dead within a fortnight.

St Helens Star: Victoria, right, with a cancer patient at Whiston HospitalVictoria, right, with a cancer patient at Whiston Hospital (Image: Ribble Valley Marketing)

Following an intensive course of chemotherapy at Whiston Hospital, Victoria is clear for now, although she must return to the hospital for tests on a regular basis.

As a result of the therapy, Victoria lost her hair and, after being discharged, decided to support other people who were facing or suffering from hair loss.

The idea of SCALP (Supporting Cancer, Alopecia, Lives and People) was born.

St Helens Star: Victoria, right, with a cancer patient at Whiston HospitalVictoria, right, with a cancer patient at Whiston Hospital (Image: Ribble Valley Marketing)

Victoria secured some fantastic offers of donations for a June prize draw, and the inaugural SCALP fundraising event raised more than £1,200.

Funds were used to fill goody bags containing items Victoria had realised were essential; beauty items, including strip lashes, cotton hair caps and lip balms, would be included.

Staff and patients at Whiston Hospital welcomed Victoria as she made the rounds at Ward 2 yesterday, and the goody bags were well received.

St Helens Star: Victoria, left, with a cancer patient at Whiston HospitalVictoria, left, with a cancer patient at Whiston Hospital (Image: Ribble Valley Marketing)

Victoria is in the process of setting SCALP up as a registered charity and will be continuing her fundraising work.

Anyone who is currently experiencing hair loss can arrange a private one-to-one consultation with Victoria at one of her hair and beauty salons.

Victoria is the owner/manager of VOIE Hair and Beauty Salons in Leyland and Garstang.

Work is also underway to transform a sunbed room at her salon into a private consultation room where Victoria can hold one to one confidential meetings. She will be providing advice and guidance on head care – to shave or not to shave, as well as purchasing and caring for wigs but most importantly, she will be someone they talk to.