A YOUNG cancer patient has been rewarded for her hard work in raising awareness of a form of cancer.

Blair Ward, 22, from Askam-In-Furness, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2008, received the Raising Awareness of Lymphoma Award at the Lymphoma Association’s annual Beacons of Hope Awards at London Zoo.

Miss Ward is now in remission from lymphoma, the sixth most common cancer which affects 11,000 people in the UK each year, and the most common form of the disease among the under 30s.

“I’m so proud to have won the award,” she said.

“The work that the association does is really fantastic and I’m really honoured to have been awarded for helping them to raise awareness.”

Sally Penrose, chief executive at the association, said: “Blair really does deserve this recognition for her absolute dedication to raising awareness of lymphoma.

“She has helped us tremendously.”

Miss Ward received a special certificate from Radio 4 presenter Rory Morrison, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2004.

All winners were presented with a cheque for £250 thanks to the support of the Marsh Christian Trust.

For more information on the disease, visit www.lymphomas.org.uk