THIRTY-FOUR years ago Flintshire mum Stephanie Morris was born with a rare and life-threatening heart defect.

She underwent ground-breaking surgery at the time to correct a hole in the heart and TGA (transposition of the great arteries) first at the age of one and then aged six.

Described by her dad Paul Wilson as a “battler and a survivor”, she pulled through and has enjoyed a healthy life with daughter Elena, now six.

But on May 13 this year Stephanie, who lives in Shotton, was told she must fight once again after a stomach complaint turned out to be ovarian cancer.

Never one to give up, she has begun chemotherapy treatment ahead of a planned hysterectomy – which sees the womb removed.

Together with dad Paul, step-mum Jenny Browne and partner Andy Hibbert she is also gearing up for several fundraising events in aid of the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, Maggie’s Cancer Care Centres and Macmillan Cancer Support.

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Stephanie Morris, pictured above and below

“It has all come as a huge shock but the care she has been receiving has been fantastic,” said Paul, 66, of Rivacre in Ellesmere Port.

“She’s had a tough time but she’s a battler and a survivor. She can definitely get through this.”

The first event takes place from 6pm on Saturday, August 10, at The Groves Social Club in Ellesmere Port and will see step-mum Jenny have her hair shaved off as well as a disco and auction.

Jenny, 62, said: “Stephanie was very upset and concerned about losing her hair and things. So I just said to her ‘I’ll shave my hair off!’ She turned around and smiled and said ‘can you do it for charity?’

“That’s what she’s like – not only is she going through this she’s also thinking of helping others.”

She added: “It has all been so devastating. We were all in shock but the family has come together now and we are really positive. There’s a lot of love.”

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Both Jenny and Paul described Stephanie – who is lead singer in local band Sweet Baby Jane - as “bubbly and always singing”.

“She’s just an amazing young woman,” said Jenny. “Everyone says so.”

The second event is a charity night to be held at Mcleans bar on Chemistry Lane in Deeside on Friday, August 16 from 5pm. It will include live music, karaoke, a raffle and face-painting.

Jenny added: “Anything people can do to support us would be great. Cancer affects everybody. We’ve all lost someone or know somebody in our lives that is going through it.”

There is also a Just Giving page set up to raise money for Macmillan here.