A cancer survivor suffering from a lifetime of “intense” migraines has found relief through the art of mosaics.

Ilford Recorder: Amanda Gallagher, a single mother, cancer survivor and lifelong sufferer of migraines has found unlikely relief in the art form of mosaickingAmanda Gallagher, a single mother, cancer survivor and lifelong sufferer of migraines has found unlikely relief in the art form of mosaicking (Image: Archant)

Single mum Amanda Gallagher, 50, of Caernarvon Drive, Clayhall, stumbled across the remedy by chance after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2001.

The mum-of-two, who created her first mosaic on an old Wimpy table in 2013, continued suffering from severe headaches even after her cancer was in remission.

Since her first mosaic, Amanda has gone one on to sell her first piece.

“I dealt with it [the cancer] and came out the other side but I suffered for 17 years with intense headaches,” she said.

Ilford Recorder: Amanda Gallagher, a single mother, cancer survivor and lifelong sufferer of migraines has found unlikely relief in the art form of mosaickingAmanda Gallagher, a single mother, cancer survivor and lifelong sufferer of migraines has found unlikely relief in the art form of mosaicking (Image: Archant)

“During the years I started to explore different art forms – not that I was any good.

“I took to a garden table and I started to mosaic – the first was a disaster but as a consequence I found I wasn’t in pain and I got immediate relief – it became an obsession.”

The reluctant artist said selling her pieces, which can take up to nine months to produce, was not her intention but admitted it gave her “great self-confidence”.

Amanda, who said she would be in pain for “24 hours a day”, called on others to seek alternative therapies.

Ilford Recorder: Amanda Gallagher, a single mother, cancer survivor and lifelong sufferer of migraines has found unlikely relief in the art form of mosaickingAmanda Gallagher, a single mother, cancer survivor and lifelong sufferer of migraines has found unlikely relief in the art form of mosaicking (Image: Archant)

She said: “I want people to know that no matter how silent a disease is, there are alternate therapies out there – it could be anything.

“When you’re faced with these issues you look to the health community, but there are people that are looking for more than that – more than just popping pills.

“I really believe in the power of your brain.”

Amanda, who was given 10 years to live nine years ago and cannot work anymore, said her discovery helped her find peace.

Ilford Recorder: Amanda Gallagher, a single mother, cancer survivor and lifelong sufferer of migraines has found unlikely relief in the art form of mosaickingAmanda Gallagher, a single mother, cancer survivor and lifelong sufferer of migraines has found unlikely relief in the art form of mosaicking (Image: Archant)

“Invisible illnesses have to be recognised,” she said.

“I live a normal life and I feel so guilty that I look like a normal person, but the pain is all in my brain.”

Speaking of her first experience with mosaics, she said: “I didn’t leave my garden for 10 hours – I found a relief, I found a mini miracle.”