A NEW mum who overcame a rare and aggressive cancer has been nominated for the Great North Run Hall of Fame Award.

Naomi Jacobs was devastated when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer just two weeks after giving birth in October 2011.

The 24-year-old underwent an emergency Caesarean when she was 37 weeks pregnant with baby Lily Grace after she suffered an infection.

During the operation, surgeons found a tumour on Naomi’s cervix and two weeks later, the new mum was diagnosed with large cell neuroendocrine – a rare and aggressive form of cervical cancer.

At one point Naomi thought she would only have 18 months to live.

But she beat the cancer, and at the beginning of March last year doctors told her she was in remission.

Just six months later, she crossed the Great North Run finish line after an emotional fundraising mission to help others affected by cancer.

Now Naomi has been nominated for The Journal’s Bupa Great North Run Award in recognition of her inspirational journey.

Naomi, who lives with partner Mark Hurry, 28, and Lily Grace, now 17 months, in Kingston Park, Newcastle, said: “I needed something at the end of my treatment to focus on and training for the Great North Run gave me that.

“I finished my treatment in March and six months later did the run, even though doctors had told me I wouldn’t be able to even start training until September.”

Together with her mother, Davin Fiddes, and friends Katie Rowberry and Cheryl Dunn, Naomi last year raised £1,500 for the Teenage Cancer Trust by doing the Great North Run.

“I ran with my friends and my mum and we all held hands as we crossed the finish line,” said Naomi. “It was really emotional.”

And Naomi plans to run again this year to continue to support the charity, before celebrating the two years that have passed since her diagnosis.

“I’ve got my two-year scan in October and, touch wood, I’m still in remission,” said Naomi. “Life has totally changed for me now.

“I don’t worry about things and we just try to have fun all of the time.”

The Bupa Great North Run Award, in association with The Journal, will be presented at the Great North Run Hall of Fame Charity Dinner next month.

Last year’s winner was teenage cancer survivor Michael Ready, from Lobley Hill, Gateshead, who won the award for his bravery in the face of extreme illness.

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