WHEN SONYA Thomas gave birth to her long-awaited first child she thought it was a miracle – but had no idea her life would shortly be turned upside down.

Just six months after little Grace was born, the new mum was diagnosed with gastric cancer.

The Robinswood resident, who was able to conceive thanks to fertility drugs, said: "It was really stressful. Every time I looked at her I kept bursting into tears.

"I thought 'I've waited two years to have a baby and now I'm going to die'."

Months of gruelling treatment followed for the mum, who was diagnosed with the disease after complaining of indigestion and stomach pains both during and after pregnancy.

"It was a massive shock to be told I had cancer but I sort of knew they were going to say it to me because I knew something wasn't right. My dad died of cancer when I was pregnant and I was really paranoid that was what it was," the 31-year-old told The Citizen.

After undergoing intensive chemotherapy and regular visits to the oncology unit at Cheltenham General Hospital, Sonya had major surgery at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in December 2010 to have her stomach removed.

"It was successful as they got the cancer out and then I had more chemotherapy and radiotherapy after that," said Sonya, who is now going for check-ups every six months after her treatment stopped in May last year.

The Gloucester resident now wants to show her gratitude for the excellent treatment she received in the county by raising money for Cheltenham's oncology unit.

She is holding a private party for friends and family in March, with a raffle generating funds.

"I wanted to raise money for them as they helped me and I wanted to give something back," she said.

"That way they can put the money towards whatever it is they need. They are continuously buying equipment to make patients as comfortable as possible. I was really impressed with the treatment," she said.

The event, which will be held at the Gala Club in Longford, is also a way of saying thank you for the support shown by friends and relations.

Sonya and husband Vince are now looking forward to their first holiday abroad to Turkey with Grace, who is nearly two.

"I didn't think I was going to see her grow up and it's just about providing as much fun as I possibly can. I can enjoy being a parent now," added Sonya.

People who would like to help Sonya's fundraising can contact her by emailing sonyathomas5380@btinternet.com