AN inspirational teacher who has been battling breast cancer during the pandemic is delighted to have completed her final session of chemotherapy - and said she is looking forward to getting back in the classroom.

Caroline Wood, deputy headteacher at Weymouth's Southill Primary, was told she had breast cancer in May last year at Winterbourne Hospital in Dorchester, during a time when the UK began to learn to live with coronavirus during the first lockdown.

However, on January 2, the 47-year-old had her final chemotherapy session at Dorset County Hospital and is now set to return to work after February's half term.

She said: "Just after the first lockdown in March I found a lump.

"I was told I had stage 3 breast cancer, which had attached to my lymph nodes. I didn't know what to do.

"It was hard because I was working from home and had to self isolate after my first operation."

Mrs Wood said her husband was not allowed to come to her appointments.

"I was sitting in the hospital by myself, so I started a blog to write down my experience of what I was going through during the pandemic," she said.

On Wednesday Mrs Wood was signed off from the hospital and will revisit for a monogram check-up in August.

She said: "I feel lucky and thankful the cancer was found as soon as possible.

"My mum,Theresa, also suffered with breast cancer before her full recovery, and I haven't been able to hug her in a year because of Covid-19."

During lockdown Mrs Wood's oldest daughter Libby, 24, has been helping her with her cooking and shopping.

"I want to say thank you to all the staff at the hospital, my two daughters Libby and Kate, 21, and husband Colin, 51, who helped me during a very difficult time."

Looking on the bright side of life, Mrs Wood said she cannot wait to start fresh with her students, who she has kept in regular contact with.

"I found it difficult to hear about how hard it's been for the school during the pandemic, but I'm looking forward to getting back and helping," she said.

"My message to others worried about their health is if you think you have an issue, don't hesitate to go to the doctors," she said.

"Listen to your body and stay positive."

To view Mrs Wood's blog, click here: wordpress.com