Rugby fans invited to bid for special shirt worn during Aviva Premiership matches.

Midweek Herald: Cancer fighter Julie Lewis, from Barnstaple, is supported by husband Gwyn and daughter Sian.Cancer fighter Julie Lewis, from Barnstaple, is supported by husband Gwyn and daughter Sian. (Image: Archant)

A BARNSTAPLE mum undergoing treatment for breast cancer is hoping to raise money to help build a new chemotherapy unit in the town.

Julie Lewis, 56, is auctioning off a signed shirt worn by her son, Exeter Chiefs’ scrum half Dave Lewis, in aid of the Chemotherapy Appeal.

The retired teacher, who featured on the front page of last week’s Gazette taking part in Race for Life, is doing all she can to help boost the work of cancer charities, despite facing her own battle with the disease.

Julie said: “I had a mammogram at the end of August and that came back clear; but in January this year I felt a lump and it’s been a rollercoaster since then.

Midweek Herald: The top signed by Dave Lewis is being auctioned on eBay for the Chemotherapy Appeal.The top signed by Dave Lewis is being auctioned on eBay for the Chemotherapy Appeal. (Image: Archant)

“It was a big shock; I eat healthily, exercise regularly and don’t smoke – the news hit us very hard as a family.

“There were a few lows at the outset but you can’t change what’s happened – you’ve just got to crack on with it.”

Julie, who is due to finish her eight sessions of chemotherapy at the end of the month, hopes the shirt auction will appeal to Exeter Chiefs fans.

The shirt was worn by son Dave during the recent season in the Aviva Premiership. To bid visit www.eBay.co.uk, item 171387285198 (or click here), before the auction ends at 8pm on July 25