A MUM who has raised more than £30,000 for charity while battling cancer, had the surprise of a lifetime when she was applauded on national television for her hard work.

Karen Lane, 49, was nominated by her daughter Alex, 23, to appear under the spotlight on ITV’s Surprise Surprise to get some recognition for her fundraising.

Despite being diagnosed with bowel, liver and lung cancer in the last five years and undergoing several rounds of chemotherapy, Mrs Lane, of Brentwood, has held more than 20 sell-out fundraising parties for Cancer Research UK.

Mrs Lane, who also received a Flame of Hope award from Cancer Research UK for her catering work at Race for Life events, said: “As soon as I was diagnosed I wanted to do some charity work as I felt I had two choices – to sit and feel sorry for myself or do some good.

“I didn’t even know we were going to the show until Alex mentioned it and I didn’t want to go as I felt unwell, but she convinced me.

“I didn’t think foramoment it would be me under the spotlight telling my story.

“It was suchalovely surprise butabit of a shock! I’m going to auction my prize, a home dinner party for ten, to raise some more money.

“I’m so proud of Alex. She has helped constantly despite her own health problems and I’m so grateful for her support.”

Mrs Lane, who runs Ab Fab Catering, is looking foralarger venue to donate one evening to her so she can hold an even bigger event this year.

She said: “This year I want to raise £50,000, that’s my goal, so I’d be grateful to anyone with any venue they would be happy to donate.”

Any interested venues should contact her on 07877 034916 or at karen.lane@live.com To donate, visit justgiving.com/karen-lane5