MOTHER-OF-FOUR Debbie Cornes spent more than a year undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with two brain aneurysms in 2009.

But the 49-year-old was dealt another devastating blow earlier this year when she was admitted to hospital for an emergency operation after being diagnosed with lung cancer and emphysema.

Debbie, of Madeley, returned home on Sunday and now receives daily visits from a district nurse after having a chest tube fitted to drain excess fluid from her lungs.

Despite her illness, however, her daughter Charlotte Stanyer, of Talke Pits, insists her mum remains upbeat and happy.

The 26-year-old, who has three children, has now put Debbie forward as a nominee in The Sentinel's Mum of the Year competition.

The Sentinel has teamed up with the Trentham Estate to find the best mum in North Staffordshire and South Cheshire.

The winner will be decided in time for Mother's Day, on March 18, and will win a range of prizes worth up to £250.

Charlotte said: "She is very brave. She's had up days and down days but she's always upbeat.

"She's a great mother and a great grandmother.

"She is strong because she wants to see her grandchildren grow up.

"Everyone is really proud of how well she's doing, she's given up smoking and even though she can't walk or do many physical things with us she still has her sense of humour and is forever making jokes.

"I admire her because she just gets on with it and makes the best out of the situation. I'm proud to call her my mum."

Charlotte added: "She deserves a medal for all of the support she's given us while coping with being ill.

Between her illnesses Debbie, who has seven grandchildren, braved the clippers and shaved her head to raise hundreds of pounds.

She wanted to collect the money in aid of Ward 23, the neurological unit at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, where she has been treated in the past.

Debbie said: "I have had quite a hard life and have come through a lot of difficulties, but I try and put a lot of effort into caring for my children and grandchildren.

"I am very family-orientated and want to see my children get married and my grandchildren grow up. I draw strength from my family.

"I have been through the mill but I am still going strong."

To nominate someone, write to Laura James at The Sentinel, Sentinel House, Forge Lane, Etruria, ST1 5SS. Alternatively, email laura.james@thesentinel.co.uk, including a contact number.