CATHY French, the woman whose battle with serious illness has touched the hearts of Farnham people, has spoken of how she is coping with her first round of chemotherapy for a rare form of cancer.

She agreed to talk to The Herald during a brief visit this week to her home in Ryle Road, in between treatments at the Middlesex hospital for Ewing's Sarcoma, which is affecting her pelvis, knees and spine.

Seven years ago she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and has undergone numerous operations and treatments for this condition, before being told earlier this year that she has cancer.

Her mum, Anne, approached The Herald a month ago to appeal for help because she said the strain of coping, both mentally and financially, with the latest round treatment - expected to last eight months - filled her with dread.

When she spoke to The Herald, Cathy (23) was at times emotional, partly because she has seen a significant part of her life made public and she, in her own words, is a very private person.

"Up until now we have always coped on our own. I'm a very private person and to suddenly have to depend on other people was quite strange," said Cathy.

"At the beginning I used to keep things to myself - it was difficult to let people know what was happening to me.

"But I have been overwhelmed by what has happened since the article in The Herald. I can't think of any words which can relate how grateful I am.

"At the moment I'm OK. I'm just coming to the end of the first session of chemotherapy. The day after I felt like I was slightly drunk - rather than vomiting, which is the usual effect - and the day after that I slept."

Because Cathy's kidneys are not functioning properly she suffered from water retention after the chemotherapy and then had a problem with her body retaining the morphine she was being given, which caused muscle spasms.

"The other effect I had was severe mouth ulcers which meant I couldn't eat very well. I survived on soggy wheetabix and mashed bananas and custard."

Anne, who has dedicated her life to caring for Cathy, said: "Cathy still managed to put on two kilograms which demonstrated her determination to do what she can to keep her body strong."

Reflecting on the last seven years, Cathy admitted that she has at times become angry, especially with the numerous setbacks she has had to face.

"Sometimes I think 'why can't it just go right for once' but these days I don't expect it to go right, so if it does it's a bonus.

"I do get angry sometimes, but most of the time I just try to get on with life and don't think about it."

p The first article in The Herald prompted a huge response and the generosity of local people and organisations has continued to shine through this week with many more donations to help Cathy and Anne.

Cards and anonymous contributions have continued to arrive at The Herald offices, in West Street; Farnham Lions have committed themselves to helping over the coming months and other organisations, including The Hedgehogs, St Thomas-on-the-Bourne church and the Dempster Trust are all doing their bit.

And South West Trains has done its bit by providing £50 of travel vouchers to help Anne, visit Claire in hospital.

Cathy's friend Claire Othen and sister Laura have been helping to organise local support. Claire said has been amazed at how events have "snowballed".

They have been collecting at pubs across the area, organising raffle prizes for an event at the Farnham Park Gold club on August 19t, with live music from John Bush, a popular local performer with a large following.

Many local shops have contributed to the raffle, including Argos, La Femme beauty salon, Eureka Jewellery and The Toyshop.

Local singers Mickey Kemp and Colin Webb have been collecting donations at many of the local pubs they perform in after hearing Cathy's story. On Wednesday Cathy was due at a presentation ceremony at The Lamb pub in Farnham.

And on Thursday members of the Physically Disabled and Able Bodied (PHAB) club were due to stage a live music event at the Tannery Bar at Farnham Maltings.

Cathy has worked at the PHAB club over recent years and has helped organise evenings where she could be working with up to 40 young people at once.

Sainsburys have also stepped in to help and are donating the proceeds of a penny appeal - where the store donates a penny for every carrier bag re-used - to the Cathy fund.

"We've had an amazing response from people - even those who don't know Cathy," continued Claire.

"Even when we went to local shops asking for raffle prizes, people were just giving us items, even though they hadn't heard of the appeal. It really is amazing.

"We would like to say thank you to everyone who has helped out, it's fantastic."

Another touching gesture was an envelope left at Cathy's house, marked only "from old school friends" containing a cheque which helped buy a television for Cathy to use while she is in hospital.