AN inspirational Prenton woman battling an incurable and aggressive form of brain cancer has been named a finalist in this year’s Merseyside Woman of the Year competition.

Julie Shute was diagnosed in August 2013 and given a life expectancy of around 14 months. She was diagnosed with a second brain tumour one year later.

After experiencing fresh tumour growth, 53-year-old Julie had surgery in March but unfortunately, surgeons were unable to remove it all.

Last month, Julie broke the news to her children that her treatment options had all been exhausted – with doctors estimating she has just a few months left.

But while the devastating news would make some want to lock themselves away and feel sorry for themselves, this is not the case for Julie and her husband Andy.

Through endless fundraising and countless trips to Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, the couple have carried on the best they can, choosing to share the highs and lows with others on Julie’s online blog.

When Julie was diagnosed, she described the moment as “like taking a punch from Mike Tyson”.

But since then, she has undergone surgery followed by treatment and specialist radiosurgery at Clatterbridge.

Despite it being an immensely difficult time, Julie and her family have thrown themselves into supporting the cancer charity and helping patients of the future who are going through a similar journey.

And now, her dedication has been recognised with her being named as a finalist in this year’s Merseyside Woman of the Year competition.

Andy said: “My motivation in nominating Julie was for recognition of her fighting spirit against this god awful disease plus, her desire to help educate others via the blog, and most importantly to raise awareness of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity

“As you can imagine I truly want friends and family to help give this amazing woman the recognition and the legacy it could leave for the greater good of Clatterbridge if she achieves the title of Merseyside Woman of the Year.”

Julie’s latest surgery in March has left her with left-sided weakness and she can no longer walk unassisted.

So far, Julie and her friends and family have raised several thousand pounds for charity and her blog is read worldwide - amazingly having 22,000 reads since its creation last November.

Karen Williams, from Clatterbridge, said: “When we met Julie and Andy, we saw very quickly what a truly special couple they are. Their commitment to helping other patients and support the charity has been unfailing throughout Julie’s illness.

“They have gone full force to raise thousands of pounds for The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, inspiring supporters from across the globe to give support in so many ways. Alongside this, Julie is bravely sharing the realities of her experience in the hope that future cancer patients will benefit from her story.

“As well as helping others, it will allow family and loved ones to remember and reflect on Julie’s words in years to come, leaving a lasting legacy behind which will honour her courage.

“Despite going through the worst time imaginable, their positive attitude and deep love for each other is a constant inspiration to see.”

Last month, Julie said: “This cancer will ultimately take my life, but if I can help now, to perhaps save a life in the future, then I want to do all I can.”