A woman who suffers with a rare form of blood cancer has opened up on her fear-induced isolation after it was announced that Covid-19 restrictions would be lifted.

Beth Bennett, from Corby Hill near Carlisle, said that her life was turned upside down on July 19 when she heard that compulsory mask wearing and social distancing would be brought to an end.

Beth, 24 who was diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma - a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma - said she still feels at risk of catching Covid-19 and being badly affected by the virus despite having had both jabs.

On hearing the news that Covid-19 restrictions would be lifted, Beth said she cried.

It's terrifying and I can't go out anymore," said Beth.

"As long as I was at a distance from others, I felt safe to go out in my mask and it wasn't too bad, but when I heard that they were getting rid of the masks in particular, it was just horrible.

"It means it's completely not safe for me anymore."

According to the Blood Cancer UK, research so far suggests that Covid-19 vaccines might not work be as effective for everyone with blood cancer.

Blood Cancer UK added that most of the research currently underway is with people who currently have blood cancer and are therefore have a weakened immune system.

Beth was diagnosed with cancer at the end of February.

Recalling a day that she plucked up the courage to courage to go into town not long after restrictions had lifted, Beth said she and her boyfriend were laughed at for wearing a mask in a shop.

She added: "I went into town not long after the masks were removed and I would never go back.

"We sat in the market and I was just terrified the whole time and I had to get out of there.

"We actually got laughed at for wearing our masks. It was very off-putting.

"I had my badge that asked people to keep their distance, and it had the Blood Cancer UK logo on it.

"Looking at me and looking at that badge you would know that there's something wrong with me.

"To get laughed at when it's kind of obvious that I'm not okay is not nice."

Beth said she would like to see more consideration, especially in places that are necessary to visit when getting on with day to day life.

she added: "I understand that they have to remove social distancing from restaurants and bars because businesses have got to get back to normal, but I think they should keep masks on public transport and in enclosed spaces.

"It's easy to not go out and eat at a restaurant, but you can't avoid everything.

"There are a lot of people who say the masks are so inconvenient and that we shouldn't have to wear them, but I don't see how the masks harm anyone.

"They're not going to die if they wear a mask, but I could die if they don't."

For more information and advice on blood cancer visit the Blood Cancer UK website at bloodcancer.org.uk.