A Financial Planning firm’s first ever apprentice has achieved a promotion only a couple of years after having to battle back to overcome cancer aged just 22.

Sarah Monaghan, 25, pictured above, found out she had cervical cancer soon after joining Bury-based Wealthcare in 2013 and explained how her company aided her in fighting off the disease.

Sarah, who joined as an office junior under the Bury College scheme, said: "Soon after beginning my career with Wealthcare I was diagnosed with cancer. Wealthcare supported me throughout and, following successful medical treatment, the firm assisted me with my ongoing professional development.

“They offered me their help once treatment was over to rebuild my life and they let me work at my own pace, were there when I needed to talk and gave leeway for appointments and hospital visits.”

She said her reaction at the time of being diagnosed was “just to get on with it & not let it consume me”.

She said: “I had a young child (he was 10 months old when I was diagnosed) and I had to try to build a family home. I didn't really have time to react.”

She had to undergo chemotherapy, brachytherapy and radiotherapy for two months.

Having overcome it, Sarah, who has worked in Bury-based Wealthcare’s pensions, investments and employee benefits teams, has been promoted to mortgage administrator.

Asked if her health ordeal has made her a more determined person and how it had shaped her attitude towards life and her career, she said: “After treatment ended I was a little rocky, because that's when I had time to sit down and think about what I had just gone through, but now I am focused and determined to build myself back up and become an established mortgage adviser within Wealthcare.

"I had no previous experience of the industry and didn't think I would progress as quickly as I did. I feel I have a career, not just a job, and am thankful for the opportunity given to me by Wealthcare."

Stephen Cainer, joint managing director at Wealthcare, said: “Sarah made considerable progress during almost three years at Wealthcare, resulting in this well-deserved promotion.”

The company, which employs 16 staff and offers advice and planning in pensions, and investments, has also recruited another apprentice.

Antonia Staples, 19, pictured below, left, has joined Wealthcare’s administrative support team via the Bury College Apprenticeship Programme. She is studying for a diploma in business administration.