A CANCER survivor claims that a simple diet helped her conquer the disease.

Former traveller Chrissy Jane Hedge refused chemotherapy and embarked on an alkaline diet after being diagnosed with cervical cancer.

She lived on organic fruit, carrot and celery juice, pasta and steamed vegetables before getting the all clear.

Chrissy, 35, of Dorchester, enrolled for a specialist diploma in nutrition after she was diagnosed with cancer two years ago.

She learned about the benefits of an alkaline diet and tried it herself in a bid to overcome her illness.

And after existing on organic fruit, carrot and celery juice, pasta and steamed vegetables, Chrissy was given the all-clear from cancer.

Although doctors operated on Chrissy, she resisted chemotherapy and attributes her recovery to her change of diet.

She said: “I knew of other people who have cured their cancer through an alkaline diet because it completely purifies all the alkaline in your body.

“I realised how food has a lot to do with your life.

“When I was diagnosed with cancer I spoke to a nutritionist and said that I wanted to do an extreme diet because what was happening to me was extreme.

“I didn’t have time to think about it. I thought ‘I can do it through food’.

“When I had a second scan and they said it had gone it was a very special day.”

Chrissy has now won an award for her dedication and commitment to learning which, she said, helped her beat cervical cancer.

She said she was delighted to receive a National Institute of Adult Continuing Education award as part of this week’s Adult Learners’ Week.

As a schoolgirl, Chrissy was bullied and struggled with dyslexia.

She began a career in design but realised it wasn’t for her and left to travel the world.

Since then, she has completed courses in diving, numeracy, teaching and beauty.

She teaches at an adult learning centre in Poole and volunteers in a project that helps young people use recycling to make musical instruments.

Chrissy said: “Learning inspires me because it always seems to lead to better things, like better jobs and better knowledge.

“Without learning I wouldn’t be the person I am and I am proud of who I am.”

She spent seven years as a traveller and is now a member of the Kushti Bok, which represents the voice of gypsies and travellers in Dorset.

She has vowed to take a bit of a breather.

She said: “I’m not doing any courses at the moment. I’m just enjoying having a nice relaxing time now,”