A mum who was told to “go and enjoy your life” by doctors after beating breast cancer was given a devastating diagnosis as her family felt she had “just come back”.

Tanya Farrel, 40, received the shock of her life when she discovered a lump in her breast several years ago, and was diagnosed with cancer. She received prompt and “extensive” treatment, and later the all-clear from doctors after fighting the disease with the “will power and strength of an ox”.

The mum-of-two from Croxteth, Liverpool, was told to “go and enjoy your life” after beating the disease, and her friends said that, the moment it feels “she’s only just come back”, she received a new diagnosis. She was told last year that the cancer had returned, and it has now spread to a new location.

Speaking to the Liverpool ECHO, Susie Murphy, 47, who said she has known Tanya since they were children, said the mum has been told by doctors that they “can’t do anything for her”. She said: “Tanya had extensive treatment and fought the cancer with the will power and strength of an ox, but it’s come back and is now in her hips.

“She didn’t tell anyone when she was diagnosed the first time because she didn’t want anyone to worry. She fought it and beat it and [the doctors] told her, ‘go and enjoy your life’. It feels like she’s only just come back. Now it’s back again and they can’t do anything for her.”

She added: “It’s just the worse imaginable news, I can’t bear thinking about it. Tanya’s just the loveliest person ever. She’d give anyone her last £10. It’s just so sad what she’s going through, and she’s not moaned or complained once. The whole community loves her. I was devastated when I found out.

“She’s only 40, she should have her whole life ahead of her. And she loves those two lads more than anything. She’ll be devastated being away from them. The boys don’t know yet, she doesn’t know what to tell them. She’s just trying to carry on as normal.” Susie has set up a fundraising page for Tanya so she can enjoy her remaining time with her sons and husband, Joe.

The mum’s illness has forced her to give up her job at Liverpool City Council, with extra strain heaped on her family. Susie explained: “We just want her to make some lovely memories with the boys and give some comfort to the family. Time’s running out and the boys need some good times with their mummy. It would be lovely if we could organise a holiday for her and the boys somewhere nice so they can make memories together.”

People can donate to Tanya’s GoFundMe page here.