A WOMAN who learned she had cervical cancer just weeks before she was due to start her “dream job” told how a local charity has helped soften the blow.

Hazel Pittwood from Corfe Mullen was diagnosed with Stage II cervical cancer on November 21, 2018.

The 30-year-old had recently handed in her notice as a Heathland Warden for the Borough of Poole to embark on a new role as a marine wildlife guide on cruise ships and was due to join a vessel bound for the Caribbean on January 4.

Hazel said: “When a consultant oncologist at Poole Hospital told me I had cancer it was like a tonne of bricks had been dropped on me.”

She underwent 25 sessions of external pelvic radiotherapy, three brachytherapy sessions (internal radiotherapy) and four lots of chemotherapy.

She said: “The raft of support and wave of activity that carries you along ends and then reality of what you’ve been through sinks in. It was at this point I began to worry how I was going to cope with no job. Because I had handed in my notice and was unable to take up my new position, I had no money and no sick pay - I started to feel very concerned.”

Hazel learned about Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) while receiving her treatment. The charity helps Dorset-based cancer patients through financial struggles resulting from their illness. Its grants can pay for household bills, equipment and even short breaks following treatment.

She said: “It really made such a huge difference to me. Just being able to put some fuel in my car to travel to local nature reserves for walks is wonderful.

“I am desperate to get back to the work I love; I am doing everything I can to aid my recovery so I can get well and realise my dreams. I have committed to wildlife guiding on my first cruise in June. I am determined to be out at sea helping passengers to spot whales and dolphins this summer.”