A partially sighted woman who has cerebral palsy and nearly died from cancer, tours the UK and Europe to help people cope with the disease that almost killed her.

Amanda Cresswell, 42, who lives by herself in Hanwell, has talked to organisations and groups about spotting the early signs of cancer and how to cope with other disabilities.

She is also on St George’s Hospital’s advisory board, giving insight into how to break bad news to people with learning disabilities, and runs a book group at Hanwell library where she teaches people with learning disabilities how to use ‘books beyond words’ which use pictures.

But she said she could not do her work without the support of Michele Springall from the Ealing Association of the Blind, who accompanies her to many of her talks and more recently to Holland and France to spread the word.

The dynamic duo nominated each other, Amanda for her incredible work despite her disabilities, and Michele for her unstinting support which enables Amanda to carry out her deeds.

Amanda said: “Michele goes out of her way to help me. I couldn’t do what I do without her. She is fantastic.”

She said her eyes were damaged after she was left in an incubator too long as a baby.

She said: “I was born with cerebral palsy. My mum died when I was 13 so I was brought up in care.

“In 2002 I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – cancer of the lymphatic system, and I nearly died.

“My work at St George’s Hospital means I go all over the country and teach people how to look out for signs of cancer.

“I am going to the south of France for a cancer and learning disability conference and Michele is coming to support me. She doesn’t have to, it’s because she wants to.

“Michele comes to me once a week, accompanies me to my hospital appointments and to St George’s.

“She helps me do things like getting dressed and reading because I’m dyslexic. We go swimming weekly and do lots of fun things together. Whenever I need her she is there.

“I have a fantastic life. It can be frustrating sometimes, but most of the time I do well. I want to encourage people to speak up and have a voice.”

Michele, 52, from Ealing Common, also runs a tricyle club for people with visual impairments and takes people with disabilities swimming and kayaking.

She said: “I have tried to support Amanda and her work. Together we have wanted to branch out, not just do everyday things. Amanda is amazing and I do admire her.

“I want to do everything I can to encourage people with disabilities to have a good life and get out what they want to.

“Amanda has talked to all sorts of organisations about cancer and people with learning disabilities and talked to people with learning disabilities about their experience of medical staff.

“She has also talked to medical staff so they understand their needs and know how to help them. Amanda may need a lot of support but she manages really well. She won’t let anything get in her way.”