A 'MIRACLE mum' from Bromsgrove is leading the call for shoppers to use charity stores to help them back on their feet after the coronavirus lockdown.

Cherie Uhrmacher, 39, believes Cancer Research UK saved her life as she battled ovarian cancer and enabled her to fulfil her dream of becoming a mother.

She gave birth to son Flint, now two, in December 2017 after miraculously surviving an A4-sized ovarian tumour, a three-month coma due to brain swelling, and possible infertility.

Cherie had four operations to remove the main tumour and surrounding tumours, then underwent six months of intensive chemotherapy but is now cancer free.

“As a cancer survivor it was terrible to see the Cancer Research UK stores close," Cherie said.

"Because I understand all too clearly what a lack of funding could mean for the development of new treatments for people like me.

“Research has given me the chance to have a family, so I hope people will help beat cancer and show their support – they really could save lives.

"I will be down to shop at my nearest store in Redditch as soon as I can, and I hope others will do the same.”

Staff and volunteers at shops across Worcestershire are now getting back to business to tackle a shortfall in funding, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With its shops contributing more than £25m every year, Cancer Research UK has suffered a dramatic loss of income since being forced to close temporarily at the end of March.

Its shop in Bromsgrove remains closed at the moment but stores in Redditch, Worcester and Droitwich are now open with a host of new measures in place.

These include social distancing, hand sanitiser stations, cough guards at till points, face coverings and gloves for staff and volunteers, and a 72-hour quarantine period for donated items.

Jane Redman, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Worcestershire, said: “To save lives tomorrow, we need the public’s support today - so we want people to know we’re making every effort to create a safe shopping experience.

“COVID-19 has hit us hard and after three long months we’re delighted to be able to welcome new and familiar faces back through our doors again, as well as a host of new donations.

“Our shops are full of new and pre-loved items, fashion one-offs and homeware treasures – particularly after lockdown clear-outs.

"As well as being sold at bargain prices, every sale helps to fund our work. But right now, clinical trials are being postponed and we’re having to delay vital research.

“That’s why we’re asking our Worcestershire customers to do what they can.

"Whether they shop, donate goods or volunteer their time – all are essential to help us keep making breakthroughs for people with cancer.”