A WOMAN who returned to teaching while battling cancer has saved countless lives.

Dawn Wilson, who returned to teaching at Mary Immaculate High School in Wenvoe, despite having terminal breast cancer, made it her mission to teach every woman in Wales about the symptoms of breast cancer.

She had not realised she had three out of 12 of the symptoms of breast cancer when she was diagnosed in 2017 and given less than a year to live.

Yet, two years later, Mrs Wilson became a teacher at Mary Immaculate High School where she worked for a year while promoting the Know Your Lemons foundation, which focuses on helping women spot the early signs of breast cancer.

According to the NHS one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but there's a good chance of recovery if the cancer is detected at an early stage.

Deputy headteacher at Mary Immaculate High School, Anniemarie Wilson, said: “Dawn joined the school as a part time teacher in September 2019 and after only two months was promoted to Head of Department.

“She was a true inspiration to students, teachers and all those she met during her 12 months at the school, a sad loss to us all.”

Before her death in October 2020, Dawn Wilson successfully campaigned for the NHS to endorse the Know Your Lemons campaign and stood on the steps of the Welsh Assembly to launch their campaign across Wales in 2018.

Through her work with schools and organisations Dawn Wilson engaged and educated people, and introduced Know Your Lemons to Tenovus Cancer Care.

Due to her perseverance, more than 500 GP surgeries in Wales now have 'Know Your Lemons' 12 symptoms poster on display.

IN OTHER NEWS:

'Disgusting': Mum with cancer told her children will go into care when she dies

'Internationally important' dinosaur footprint found by four-year-old in Barry

This Barry-born scheme is being rolled out across the Welsh valleys

Tenovus Cancer Care’s Chief Executive, Judi Rhys MBE said, “At Tenovus Cancer Care, we were incredibly sad to learn of the passing of Dawn.

“She worked closely with the charity and was instrumental in getting the ‘Know Your Lemons’ message out into GPs’ surgeries and schools in Wales.

“Passionate about raising awareness of the symptoms of breast cancer, Dawn inspired everyone with her drive and determination, and she is greatly missed.”

In her honour, pupils as Mary Immaculate School have raised £760.91 for the Know Your Lemons campaign.

Plus, there is an established fund in her name – which already has more than £1,500 – which will go towards continuing Mrs Dawn’s work on educating people using the Know Your Lemons campaign.

For more information about the foundation and Dawn’s fund, visit www.knowyourlemons.com/dawn