Our new monthly feature Stroud Inspires highlights individuals who have overcome hurdles in life or wish to share personal stories which may help others.

This month reporter Megan Titley spoke to well-known community stalwart Liz Peters, who is documenting her courageous fight against breast cancer on social media.

LIZ Peters is one of the best known and longest serving members of Stroud District Council, having represented Chalford for 14 years.

She works tirelessly to support the community and has organised the Grand Village Fete for nearly 30 years, raising thousands of pounds for good causes.

But in recent months, Liz has revealed a different side to her personality by bravely talking about her diagnosis with breast cancer.

Liz regularly posts updates and pictures on Facebook and is writing a blog called Cancer & Me.

She writes movingly about being devastated by the initial diagnosis and goes on to talk about her fears, hopes and experiences to help others who may not feel so comfortable discussing such a personal issue so openly.

Her no-nonsense approach is inspiring and humour helps her deal with some of the more upsetting elements of the treatment.

A multitude of emotions followed the initial diagnosis.

“Firstly, it was shock, complete shock,” she writes.

“How on earth hadn’t I noticed a lump, which must have been there for some time?

“Then it was anger with myself for not noticing the lump earlier.

“How were my six girls and seven grandchildren going to cope? I had sessions of acceptance, then getting really cross with my husband Graham.”

A mammoplasty followed - an operation to remove and surgically reconstruct her left breast.

“I was seen by an anaesthetist and then by a consultant called Mr Hunt, who proceeded to draw all over my boob – an absolute work of art,” wrote Liz about the procedure at Cheltenham General Hospital in April.

“I was told I would have a radioactive dye injected into the boob which would turn my nipple and wee blue.

“I just wanted to be cuddled and hugged, after all I had lost half a boob and my hair was falling out. I felt ugly.”

Although the surgery went to plan, three weeks later a check-up revealed that the cancer had spread, and Liz began 18 weeks of chemotherapy.

“Mr Hunt had taken four lymph nodes during the operation two of which were cancerous,” she wrote.

“He informed me that I would undergo 18 weeks of chemotherapy in six three-week cycles subject to blood count.”

Liz regularly posts pictures of the treatment on Facebook and makes no bones about the fact that her long hair is falling out.

In fact she has posted pictures of handfuls which came out while brushing, eventually revealing a new-look Liz which short stylish hair.

A wig has helped Liz feel more like her old self, and dozens of friends have posted supportive messages.

She has also posted photos showing her in a headscarf.

“I have decided not to brush my hair – too upsetting,” she wrote.

“It was like tumble weed, no-one told me it would fall out within 10 days of treatment.”

After her first chemotherapy session, Liz noticed that her sense of taste had been affected.

She also had ulcers in her mouth and blisters lips making it difficult to eat.

Under a picture of her second chemotherapy session posted on facebook, she wrote: “Only six more to go.

“I have been given injections to administer myself combat low blood count.

“So what with steroids, anti-sickness pills and these injections, I shouldn’t suffer any side effects.

“I’m a bit washed out at present, the fatigue has been probably my worst affliction to contend with, as I am usually so active.”

Friends and colleagues have sent her dozens of messages and words of support as she updates them on her progress.

Liz said she decided to share about her experience to encourage anyone else undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

A long standing member of Chalford Baptist Church, Liz’s faith has been a source of great comfort.

“My faith in Jesus has definitely helped and I would say become stronger,” she wrote.

Read her blog at lizpetersblog.wordpress.com or follow her on Facebook.

If you have an inspiring story to share please email tla@stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk