Nominations are rolling in for our Person of the Week, the new News & Star feature that each week shines a spotlight on the someone who has achieved something special.

It might be a milestone in their career or selfless service to the community, or recognition for a simply amazing person who you think deserves recognition.

Taking on a huge challenge to help raise awareness about breast cancer in both men and women while battling it herself, Jane Bentley 48, felt Chrissy Lowis, 38, deserved the nomination she said: “Chrissy has been such an amazing inspiration throughout her battle with breast cancer. Even though she has gone through the devastating loss of our dad she has remained positive and open about what she’s been going through, to help raise awareness.

“Even though she has had to battle chemotherapy, mastectomy and radiotherapy through at Newcastle she has taken the time to help raise a fantastic amount to help others going through chemotherapy treatment, while also taking care of the three young children.”

Chrissy still has a long way to go and Jane added: “Sometimes you just need a little something nice to happen. Chrissy is still facing another surgery but is still positive. She will be overwhelmed to be nominated, she does all she does to promote the warning signs and the importance of checking your breasts for both men and women. If she has helped just one person to recognise the signs then it makes her battle that little bit easier.”

Since her diagnoses last year, her family and friends have been working hard to organise and complete three charity events to raise funds to help people at Reiver House Carlisle with chemotherapy treatment.

All those round Chrissy have helped raise money through bingo, head shaves and a coin toss game Chrissy’s friend Angela Head organised her own head shave event at her place of work and everyone watched while she braved the shave. Her latest fundraiser was a 100-mile bike ride helped push the total raised to £7,750.

Jane added: “She had sadly lost her dad in April, he thought a lot about what his daughter was going through and would have been proud to help anyone going through cancer treatments.”