UNDERGOING her first chemotherapy session was in itself one of the hardest things Nicola Hensser would have to face.

But now the brave Hampshire mum allowed the emotional and nerve-wracking experience to be used in a powerful new advert to raise awareness of the work of Cancer Research UK.

Breast cancer patient Nicola features in the latest series of films for the charity’s ‘Right Now’ campaign, which are being aired throughout May.

Viewers see the 59-year-old mum-of-two sat on the ward at Southampton General Hospital, accompanied by husband Richard as she began her treatment on his birthday.

Cancer Research UK’s ‘Right Now’ campaign shows the reality of cancer for patients like Nicola, friends and family.

The powerful films – which show real patients in real-life moments – are a call for everyone to take action in the battle against cancer.

Filming took place at Southampton General Hospital capturing real-time footage of doctors, nurses, cancer patients and their friends and family.

Nicola, who worked as a technician in the design and technology department at Mountbatten School in Romsey but has since retired, was diagnosed after attending a routine mammogram appointment and getting recalled after results showed something suspicious.

She said: “When I read the letter asking me to go back I told Richard 'it happens' and women get recalled all the time.

"I never thought for a minute it was going to be anything – I’d had no symptoms, nothing at all.

“Even when I arrived for the second mammogram and they told me there was 'a little something' I didn’t worry.

"But then I had a biopsy and I remember lying there thinking that this was probably quite serious.”

Nicola, from Wellow, added: “Obviously they pretty much knew but they have to do the tests to confirm it, but everybody was very reassuring.

"The nurse told me that the week I had to wait for the results would be the hardest but to try not to worry, they were there for me if I needed them.

“The next week the doctor was very direct in telling me, which I appreciated.

"He said it was cancer, it would mean a mastectomy and I would have chemo.

"I remember looking at Richard right then at he looked stunned.

“As I walked out of the room the doctor’s final words to me were “You will still be here, I promise”.

That stuck with me, but it was very surreal. Neither of us cried.”

As she came to terms with the diagnosis and the need for surgery the biggest concern for Nicola was being well enough for her daughter Laura’s wedding at the end of September.

But her operation and treatment plan was worked out to ensure she was fighting fit for the big day.

Nicola and Richard enjoyed a pre-booked holiday in Italy before returning to undergo surgery on September 2.

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She left hospital the following day to recover at home in time for Laura’s “magical” day on September 26 last year, dancing all night.

Her chemotherapy began soon after.

Speaking of her treatment, Nicola said: “I never really thought 'why me?' I thought 'why not me?'

“You only have to stop and think how many people get cancer.

“The chemotherapy wasn’t absolutely awful. It didn’t make me sick.

"Yes there were times when I had some side effects but the doctors and nurses at Southampton are wonderful, amazing people and they helped me so much and were at the end of a phone 24 hours a day if I needed them.

“The worst thing for me was losing my hair. It’s just about coming back now but I found that really hard.

“I was particularly grateful to an old school-friend, Rachel Cardy, who does wigs for cancer patients from her salon, Hotheads, in Chandler’s Ford.

"She got me an incredible wig that looked just like my hair, people didn’t realise it wasn’t real.”

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As well as the unconditional support of her children Laura, 29, and James, 32, an army of female friends living locally also helped Nicola through the rough times, from taking her for coffee to helping cut the grass.

Nicola finished her chemotherapy in February and is now receiving the drug Herceptin via a community health team who bring the treatment to her home.

She will also received Anastrazole, a hormone inhibiting drug, for five years.

Nicola continued: “If it wasn’t for Cancer Research I wouldn’t be here today. I lost my mum, Jenny Tobia, ten years ago.

"She had Oesophageal cancer but without research she wouldn’t have had the two rounds of chemotherapy that gave her precious time to spend with her family.

“The resources they have and the work they do here in Southampton is incredible.

"They are working so hard and in the time I’ve spent being treated on the wards I’ve never heard one complaint from a patient – they are just amazing.

“If appearing in this advert raises people’s awareness, encourages them to get checked or not to miss appointments then it is worth it.

"I’m urging people across Hampshire to take action right now to help fund vital research to help beat this devastating disease.”

Filming also took place at, the Leeds Cancer Centre, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and St Bartholomew’s Hospital London.

"The first series of adverts was broadcast over Christmas and through the pioneering use of documentary-style footage, gave audiences a unique insight into the true reality of cancer right now.

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Jenny Makin, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Hampshire, said: “We’re so grateful to Nicola and her family for their support.

“These unique films allow us to show the reality of cancer – for patients battling the disease, and also the doctors, oncologists, nurses and support staff who are working tirelessly, every day, to help them.

“Every day around 130 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South East*. This campaign highlights the importance of research in helping to find better, kinder and more effective treatments and the power we all have to help make a difference.

“We’ve had a very positive response to the campaign so far and we hope that everyone who sees these new films will feel inspired and motivated to take action right now and help us beat cancer sooner.

“There are so many ways to get involved – from signing up for Race for Life to giving time to volunteer in our shops.

"With continued support from people in Hampshire we can find more cures faster, to help even more people survive.”

Nicola’s story is on air until Sunday 22 May. To see it visit dailyecho.co.uk.

People in Hampshire can take action right now to help raise vital funds by entering a Race for Life event taking place in Southampton on July 2 and 3 or Winchester on Sunday June 5.