AN INSPIRATIONAL Tywyn woman is preparing to take on a world-first challenge after beating breast cancer.

World coastal rowing champion, Catherine Havard, is part of the Ice Warrior polar explorers team which is attempting to reach the North Pole of Inaccessibility in the centre of the Arctic Ocean.

The adventure will see her attempting over 800 miles in 80 days in temperatures as low as minus 50 degrees Celsius.

Catherine, who works as a psychotherapist in Tywyn, was diagnosed with breast cancer just weeks before she was due to represent the UK in the World Coast Rowing Championships in August 2008.

After her experience, Catherine is backing Cancer Research UK’s Right Now campaign, which launched with a series of ground-breaking adverts during the Christmas period.

She said she had noticed a tiny lump in her right breast and was prompted to visit her GP when her work colleague spoke of a similar symptom.

Her worst fears were confirmed when visiting the Prince Phillip Hospital in Llanelli, when she was told she needed immediate surgery to treat the disease quickly.

Catherine said her surgeon was sensitive to her upcoming challenge and so was especially careful to minimise damage to her muscles during her treatment.

And eight weeks later, she walked away with a World Bronze Medal before starting her radiotherapy.

“I was in complete shock when I heard the words ‘you have cancer’,” she said.

“My first thought was how would I compete and then I immediately thought of my grandmother who died at the same age as I was from this same disease.

“Now I value life more than ever and it has made me realise that you can’t take anything for granted.

“My experience was not just a physical one – it changed me fundamentally at an emotional level.

“I have always undertaken adventures and expeditions, but now I approach them very differently.”

For seven years following her diagnosis Catherine, who is about to undertake a two-week polar training camp in Svalbard, Norway, took the cancer drug Tamoxifen.

She continued: “My experience means I understand all too clearly why Cancer Research UK’s work is so important. My grandmother lost her life, but thanks to treatment I have mine.

“That’s why I’m backing the Right Now campaign and I’m urging people across Wales to get involved in whatever way they can, to help fund Cancer Research UK’s crucial work.”

“I’ve sailed around the world and climbed the highest mountain in Europe, but none of that would be possible without such research to keep us alive.

“I want others to have the same opportunity and fulfil their ambitions.”

Karen Davis, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Wales, said: “We are so grateful to Catherine for her support; she is an absolute inspiration to everyone.

“Every day, around 52 people are diagnosed with the disease in Wales. It is life-changing for them, for their family and friends and for everyone who cares about them.

“Our campaign shows that research is working - people like Catherine are able to embrace life and take on such challenges but sadly, for some, time is so much shorter than it should be.

“That’s why our doctors, nurses and scientists are striving every day to find better, more effective and kinder ways to treat this devastating disease.

“We want people to watch the adverts and feel compelled to act - right now - to help more people, just like Catherine, survive.”

In order for Catherine to complete her arduous ice challenge, she is required to raise £25,000 for training, kit and expedition costs.

“I really believe that by donating to this expedition you can actually make a difference – even with just £1,” Catherine added.

“Although personal donations are more than welcome, I’m really looking for companies who are interested in getting marketing exposure for their products/brand by sponsoring me and the expedition.”

For more about Catherine’s expedition and sponsorship, visit www.catherineinthearctic.co.uk.