A WOMAN whose “pregnancy” turned out to be a rare form of cancer is to play a starring role in a charity’s new campaign.

Tracey Meads, 35, of Stowmarket, will appear in Cancer Research UK’s new run of adverts which will be shown nationwide from today.

Mrs Meads was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called molar pregnancy choriocarcinoma in 2005.

The mum-of-two received the devastating news when she attended her first antenatal scan and the shape on the scanner was not a baby, but something that looked like a bunch of grapes. It was actually a cluster of fluid-filled sacs.

A biopsy revealed that in Mrs Mead’s case the sacs had become cancerous.

She needed immediate surgery, followed by six months of chemotherapy.

“When I was told I had cancer, I asked myself what on earth I had done to deserve this news,” said Mrs Meads.

“I thought I was expecting a baby but it turned out to be a rare form of cancer. But thanks to research, I am still here. I am so grateful for the treatment that saved my life. Success stories like mine would not be possible without the work of Cancer Research UK.”

Mrs Meads will feature in the adverts as well as in posters in the Cancer Research UK shops in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds.

“I’ve come a long way since my diagnosis and now have two beautiful children who I love dearly,” said Mrs Meads.

“I’m really excited to be part of the charity’s new campaign. It is my chance to raise awareness of all the amazing work the charity does and the treatments they make possible to help people in a situation like mine.”