AN INSPIRATIONAL Burley-in-Wharfedale woman has battled back from cancer to achieve her goal of opening her first podiatry clinic in the village.

In March 2013, Lynda Forbes-Wake was diagnosed with endometrial cancer four days after celebrating her 48th birthday.

The cancer was discovered during a routine minor operation and whilst Lynda could not believe what she was hearing, she made the positive decision to do everything possible to fight this disease and come out as a winner.

The consultant advised Lynda that she would need radical surgery and this was carried out at St James’ Hospital, Leeds.

In the weeks leading up to the surgery, Lynda recruited a locum to cover her domiciliary podiatry business, whilst she juggled family life with treatment and the logistics of carrying out school runs whilst recuperating.

Lynda was determined to reach her next milestone birthday of 50 and to open her first podiatry clinic at about the same time.

And on March 12 this year, she achieved her goal of celebrating her 50th birthday in style at The Waldorf Astoria, New York, then a surprise party organised by 16-year-old daughter Rhiannon.

This week, Lynda, who also has three sons, has opened her first Podiatry/Chiropody Clinic at 113 Main Street, Burley-in-Wharfedale.

She said: “The secret is not to let stress take over your life and eat away at you, keep a very positive focus on the goal and make sure you take everything a very small step at a time rather than being overwhelmed by the bigger picture.”