A woman was shortlisted for an award recognising her determination to cope with a chronic, debilitating illness.

Keira Berman, who lived in Keighley for more than eight years, has familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) – a condition affecting the large intestine. She was a finalist in the health category in the New You awards, run by Fitness First.

When first diagnosed with FAP in 1994, she was told she was on the verge of developing bowel cancer, which could only be prevented by removing her colon.

Mrs Berman, 44, said: “I needed to think of a way to increase my strength in a safe environment, and I joined Keighley Fitness First in 2006.

“It helped me regain my confidence.”

The award finalists were announced last Friday afternoon in London.