Doctor's book tells of her secret cancer fight

Dr Elewechi Ngozi Okike, a former accountancy lecturer at Sunderland University, launched her book, How I Stood Up to Cancer, at CitySpace, in Chester Road.

It tells of the Washington mum-of-four’s battle with the rare cancer Cystadenocarcinoma, after her diagnosis in October 2012.

The 62-year-old had treatment at Sunderland Royal Hospital and the National Centre for Cancer Care, in Newcastle, until 2013. She was given the all- clear in 2014.

Dr Okike, who is originally from Nigeria, said: “The book launch was the occasion to celebrate the ninth anniversary of Book Aid For Africa, which I founded in March 2007.

“Being in academia such a long time I am very passionate about educating Africa.

“It was a good day which saw 80 people come along and buy a copy of the book. I had really good feedback with people saying my story was incredible.”

The retired grandmother, who is also the chief executive of her training consultancy business in Washington, called Academy for Excellence in Education, added: “When I had this type of cancer nobody knew about it.

“The only way anybody will know about it is through my book, as I didn’t allow it to take over my life. I still went to work every day.

“I am a person of faith and didn’t allow it to overcome me.”

The book is available via Amazon for £5 and Kindle for £3.70.