Family and friends of a mum from Alexandria who is suffering from a devastating form of cancer are praying for a 'Christmas miracle' in the hope it will bring her a cure.

Denise Lovell, 47, has undergone extensive treatment for tumours in her neck and throat which doctors thought would be easily treatable when first discovered.

However, the cancer has persisted, despite gruelling chemotherapy and pioneering robotic surgery carried out in London by a leading medic.

Denise's sister, Ellie Penny, who lives in Langbank, told The Reporter: "Time is now of the essence and we are praying for a miracle and hope it comes soon."

On Sunday, the family were joined by friends from Erskine, Bishopton and Langbank at the Glasgow Santa Dash to raise money for the Beatson Cancer Centre, in Glasgow, where Denise has been treated.

Denise was diagnosed with oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer two years ago after finding a lump on her neck.

Doctors at first believed it was easily treatable but have been left baffled by its sheer persistence.

Ellie said: "Because Denise has received all the treatments for cancer, doctors say there is not much more they can do for her but we are all staying very positive and not giving up."

This is the second time the family has been hit by this form of cancer.

Denise's brother Gerry Cannon from West Linton contracted it two years ago but was given the all-clear after treatment.

Next week, Denise will travel to the Royal Marsden Hospital, in London, to discuss further treatment with head and neck surgeon Professor Vinidh Paleri, who is a leading expert on robotic surgery.

This type of surgery is used when normal procedures would be too invasive.

Denise, who is mum to sons Harrison, 10, and four-year-old Kenzie, has already undergone robotic surgery at the Royal Marsden in the hope of removing the cancer.

Ellie said: "We as a family are very close, strong and positive but it’s been heartbreaking to see Denise suffer and endure painful procedures, a major operation and then the devastating news that, after all of this, the cancer is still there.

"We wanted the Santa Dash to be a positive day and it was quite overwhelming to see all the friends joining in to show support for Denise, who walked part of the route.

"Now we are looking forward to spending Christmas together as a family."

Ellie has set up a Crowdfunding page to help Denise pay for further medical treatments which would involve costs for travel, private consultations and alternative therapies.

There are also hopes that Denise can go on a dream trip with Harrison and Kenzie which will create everlasting memories.

You can donate by going to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ellie-penny.