BRAVE police officer Hannah Millington is staging a private fundraising event to help prevent other young people from being forced to ride the rollercoaster that is bone cancer.

Hannah, the girlfriend of ex-Halas Hawks player Gareth Hickman, has endured her share of ups and downs.

In 2007 she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, the most aggressive type of bone cancer, most common in people aged between ten and 25.

After being in remission for 17 months her illness returned with a vengeance in March. The cancer is rare with just 400 cases diagnosed in the UK each year.

Despite enduring a rough ride 28-year-old Hannah is an inspiration to those around her. Her attitude has been that life is a rollercoaster and you’ve just got to ride it.

Hannah, who lives with policeman partner Gareth in Aston Fields, Bromsgrove, is holding a fundraising evening this Saturday (June 20) at The Priory Tennis Club in Edgbaston to raise money and awareness for the Bone Cancer Research Trust.

Hannah said her cancer having returned has made her even more determined to ensure other youngsters don't have to go through the same experience.

The fundraising event coincides with the beginning of Bone Cancer Awareness Week (June 20-27) where the shocking news that survival rates in primary bone cancer, a relatively little known illness, have not improved for over 20 years, will be this year’s focus. Primary bone cancer can go undetected for months or years.

Hannah said: '‘I have met many people that have been told that they have ligament injuries or growing pains when in fact they have bone cancer.

“I visited the GP a number of times with knee pain. It was a private physiotherapist that raised the alarm.'’ The fundraising evening will bring together Hannah’s closest friends and family, and will give her the opportunity to thank those that have been by her side throughout the highs and the lows of her illness.

Among the highlights of Saturay's event will be the chance to bid at an auction for a 'man in uniform.'

To find more out about Hannah’s experience visit www.halashawks.co.uk/hannah. To support Hannah’s fundraising event call her on 07967 008156.