A mother-of-two has persuaded her employers to back a campaign to build a cancer support centre after telling them how much it helped her when she had breast cancer.

Alison Stork, who works at Bradford & Bingley's Darley Street branch in Bradford, is busy preparing for the bank's Daisy Week in aid of Bradford Cancer Support's Daisy Appeal.

The appeal is aiming to raise £1.1million to allow the charity, which supports local people affected by cancer and their families, to build a new centre on land off Smith Lane, near Bradford Royal Infirmary.

The building will replace the cramped accommodation Bradford Cancer Support (BCS) occupies at Daisy Bank.

For five days from Monday, October 16, the branch will be decked out in daisy chains to promote the appeal. There will be a cake stall on Friday, a raffle and throughout the week there will be a book stall and Daisy Appeal merchandise on sale.

Mrs Stork, 50, of Clayton, was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago. She had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After the chemotherapy she attended the BCS centre for a six-week course of aromatherapy.

"It was one of the best experiences of my life," she said. "It is invaluable the support they give."

When she was diagnosed with cancer her son Christopher had gone to university and her younger son Thomas was 14. Bradford Cancer Support advisers helped her cope with the difficulties a cancer diagnosis can bring, both practically and emotionally.

"Now Christopher is 21 and has graduated from university and that is something that I thought I might not see," said Mrs Stork, of Clayton Lane.

"Touch wood I am fine now and this is my way of saying thank-you to BCS for their help when I was not well.

"Bradford & Bingley have been great supporting us and fingers crossed we hope to raise quite a bit of money.

"Cancer touches everyone and I feel it is such a worthwhile cause. Our customers are generous and always support us whatever we take on."

l To help the Daisy Appeal contact Linda Enderby at BCS or Maureen Burns, appeal co-ordinator, at Bradford Cancer Support, Daisy Bank, 109, Duckworth Lane, Bradford, BD9 6RN or telephone (01274) 776688.

e-mail: claire.lomax@bradford.newsquest.co.uk