A young mum who has been given just six months left to live has cut the ribbon on the city's newest superstore as she focuses on creating "special memories" for her three boys.  

Rachael Blake, 39, appeared at the Riverside Retail Park location earlier today where she welcomed shoppers with an opening ceremony for the new Cancer Research UK store. 

The former school art technician was first diagnosed with hereditary breast cancer in 2020, the same year her mum died of pancreatic cancer. 

Rachael before her cancer diagnosisRachael, and her partner Reggie, before her cancer diagnosis (Image: Cancer Research UK)

She was treated and received the all-clear, but two years later she was told the cancer had returned. She now has less than a year left to live. 

READ MORE: Landmark building faces uncertain future after council blocked revamp plans

Seeking to make the most of life and spread as much good as possible, she was the guest of honour at the opening of the new superstore. 

Rachael with Archie and Finley following her diagnosisRachael with Archie and Finley following her diagnosis (Image: Cancer Research UK)

The new shop offers discount products, many of which are £5 or under, as well as clothing and accessories, furniture, books and CDs, children's wear, toys and home wear.  

Rachael said: "I'm delighted to open the new Cancer Research UK store in Norwich as I know how vital the money raised there will be.

"It might be too late for me but it's incredibly important people get the help they need as soon as possible to ensure they have a better chance of survival and prognosis. 

"If I can help anyone going through what I have been through then that's a positive."

READ MORE: Two women left shaken after being 'shot at' while driving through city

"I'm taking every day as it comes and making memories with my children, Archie, Finley and Harvey, with special away days and family celebrations."

Lots of people turned up for the opening of the new storeLots of people turned up for the opening of the new store (Image: Newsquest)

Julie Byard, director of trading for Cancer Research UK, said: "We are delighted to have Rachael here as our guest of honour.

"Her story really brings home the importance of raising funds to support the charity's ground-breaking work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer."

The shop will be open seven days a week, from 9am to 6.30pm Monday to Saturday, and 10.30 am to 4.30 pm on Sunday. 

Rachael opened the store with the help of a crier and a live band Rachael opened the store with the help of a crier and a live band (Image: Newsquest)