Barby to start radiotherapy

She said: "My motley crew did all the work '“ they all worked really hard. I didn't do anything...I just sat there and sold raffle tickets. I can't do anything at the moment."

It was her last trip out before starting the three week course of treatment which will finish on December 15.

Barby has been resting at home at the Sanctuary in Freezeland Lane since her breast cancer operation in August and has experienced problems with her drug regime including a bad reaction to Tamoxiphen, the drug used to stop cancer cells spreading.

She ventured out at the weekend to join her "motley crew" at the Christmas Weekend fundraiser, having been out the week before to take part in a charity sale at St Martha's church hall.

Both experiences left her "absolutely shattered."

"I just can't do anything at the moment. My body can't take it anymore," she told the Observer.

"I just can't do it...I think I can, but I am nearly 74 and my body just won't take it now."

It has been a blow that Tamoxiphen does not suit her '“ she has had two attempts to see if she could take it, and now her doctor is looking for an alternative drug and has ordered a bone scan. "It is my last chance. I will just have to try."