BRAVE mum Sally Dare, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour just 12 months ago, has been given an award in recognition of her charity fundraising.

Sally, who works at Nationwide building society in Malvern, received the award from her employer for being the top fundraising member of staff.

She raised £14,000 for Bristol-based brain tumour charity Hammer Out, a feat she achieved despite being diagnosed with a brain tumour last April and undergoing major surgery and radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment.

Sally's tumour was discovered after she experienced loss of speech and blurred vision while on holiday in Florida with her husband Andy and two children.

Doctors think it is possible that theme park roller coasters may have caused the tumour to move, causing the sight and speech difficulties.

"Otherwise it could have gone undetected for a long time," said 37-year-old Sally.

Back in Britain, her GP sent her for a scan and the next day Sally underwent surgery at the Frenchay Hospital in Bristol.

It has been a difficult year, but Sally was lucky to feel reasonably well during her treatment and she didn't let it stop her enjoying a summer ball with family and friends.

The ball at the Tewkesbury Park Hotel was planned by Sally and a group of friends as simply a big party before she found out about the brain tumour.

It turned into a massive fundraiser and Sally made it to the ball despite being four weeks into a course of radiotherapy at the time.

Family and friends supported Sally to raise more money through a beer and bands night, quiz nights and raffles.

Sally's tumour is a recurring one, so she will never receive the all-clear and will have regular scans for the rest of her life. But, after a year away from work, she is hoping to return to the Nationwide branch in Malvern later this year.

Sally was presented with her award by cricketer and winner of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing Darren Gough.