10:44am Thursday 22nd March 2007
A brave 25-year-old who is fighting a rare form of bone cancer is maintaining her own website with a daily diary to keep people up-to-date with her progress.
Hannah Millington, the girlfriend of ex-Halas Hawks player Gareth Hickman, was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in February after she had suffered constant pain, swelling and deformity in her right knee since November 2006.
Her diary, which she completes daily on her laptop follows her day-by-day throughout her chemotherapy and fertility treatments.
The daily accounts offer an incredibly honest and frank account of how she is feeling and coping with the disease and highlights how courageous and determined she is to win the battle.
It follows her through her good days and bad, including recent entries where she writes about starting to lose her hair but somehow she always manages to maintain a positive outlook.
Hannah said: "If Britney Spears can do it, I'm sure I can... bald is in!"
Her website also includes a guestbook where people can give her messages of support.
She said: "Reading my guest book entries is a source of inspiration"
There is also a gallery which includes photographs of her before and throughout her treatment, as well as some of the many cards and gifts she has received from well wishers.
Brave Hannah praised her friends and family for their support, especially Gareth, who she describes as "the most selfless and considerate person she could possibly wish for."
She said: "I know I'll beat this, surrounded by the love and support of my amazing family and fabulous friends, I am determined to win this battle."
Her cousins, Jennifer and Katie and Auntie Vicky have all decided to run this year's Cancer Research Race for Life in Tatton Park in June to raise awareness and money to help other cancer sufferers like Hannah.
Hannah has also received support from the Halas Hawks Girls under 14s East and West teams, who are coached by Rob Hickman, Gareth's brother.
During a recent game both teams wore pink ribbons to highlight Hannah's cause and raised £50 for the Race for Life through a raffle.
Anyone wishing to offer Hannah support and to follow her daily progress can do so by visiting her diary at www.halashawks. co.uk/Hannah/main.htm
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