SEEING cancer ravage her family was a struggle which spanned two decades of June Andrews' life.

But despite her own grief, the 75-year-old devoted her efforts to supporting others.

She not only cared for her patients as a housekeeper at Cardiff's Royal Infirmary for 28 years, but also supported her family throughout their traumatic experiences.

Her daughter Mandy Needs, now 47, from Priory Way, Ger-y-Parc, Langstone, told the Argus how her mum battled to keep the family positive in the face of death.

June's first husband Leroy died from stomach cancer 25 years ago, her second, Frederick, of cancer 20 years ago. She also lost her son to cancer at six months. And two of her daughters also died of breast cancer - Linda in 1999 aged 47 and Tracey in 2000 aged 37.

Daughter Mandy said: "How my mother never ended up in an early grave herself with what she has gone through and lost in life I will never know."

Another two daughters survived cancer - including Mandy who underwent a dangerous operation for cervical cancer in 1995.

Mandy said: "It was a terrible time, very traumatic and frightening. I was only given six months to live and both my sisters were already ill with cancer.

"Mum was strong for everybody and always there for us. She was worried about me but her support was wonderful."

Even now she says her mum stays positive and is always helping others, from her five daughters, 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren to neighbours and local pensioners.

Mandy said: "She's very bubbly even though she's had so much trauma over the last few years. She says she keeps going and stays positive because of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren."

Her selfless personality and positive attitude also helped her raise £17,000 for Velindre Hospital in Cardiff where her daughters were treated.

Instead of a 71st birthday celebration June organised a successful fundraising party.

Mandy said: "It was to say thank-you for looking after her daughters."

The donation helped pay for crucial equipment at the hospital.

Although June is 75 herself, she regularly helps local pensioners with shopping and housework.

She said: "It's so wonderful to have won, I'm over the moon. I feel like a lottery winner."

June is taking her daughter Mandy with her on her weekend of pampering, courtesy of Europe's largest internet accomodation website whatif.com, at the luxury Macdonalds Holland House Hotel in Cardiff where they will receive champagne and chocolates, breakfast, dinner and a rejuvenating double massage.

She added: "I'm really looking forward to it, I feel so special."