GRAN Ann Russell can't stress enough how important it is to catch cancer early.

The 62-year-old is lucky to be alive because she had stage four ovarian cancer which had spread to her lungs and stomach by the time she was diagnosed.

Ann, from Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, was told her cancer was incurable and there was nothing doctors could do apart from give her chemotherapy which would give her more time.

That was nearly four years ago and she's still going strong and looking forward to seeing her sixth grandchild and her 63rd birthday in January.

She also has her daughter Lindsay's wedding to look forward to in October.

Ann said she has battled to stay alive for the sake of her four children and five grandchildren who need to have her around.

She said: "Cancer still lives with me but I get on with it. I live each day as it comes and enjoy every minute of it.

"I have so much to live for and look forward to. One day I looked at my children and grandchildren around the table and decided I had to stay alive for them and that is what I've done.

"By the time I was diagnosed the cancer it had spread and was stage four. I was told it was incurable and that chemotherapy could give me a bit more time.

"I survived the chemo and came out the other end. It was horrendous but I'm still here. It hasn't beaten me yet and I keep on fighting.

"It's known as the silent killer because it kind of creeps up on you. You don't have to feel really ill and there are symptoms which could be written off as something else."