People / Unsung Hero
The Bristol charity battling breast cancer
Five years ago Susan Grant from St George was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since then more than 250,000 women across the UK have received the same devastating news.
The numbers have given her all the motivation she needs to raise money for the Bristol breast cancer charity BUST but she also has more personal reasons for supporting the charity.
It was while she was being treated at the Bristol Breast Cancer Unit that she had an innovative procedure which meant she was able to have a mastectomy and re constructive surgery at the same time – it made an “amazing difference” says Susan.
is needed now More than ever
However, the treatment wasn’t funded by the NHS but paid for by BUST.
The charity was set up 25 years ago when patients Pamela Corrigan, Carol Thomas and Margaret Twiggs discovered that the cancer unit at Frenchay needed £20,000 to buy an ultra-sound scanner.
Two years later the trio had raised the money and their efforts led to the creation of the hospital’s specialist Breast Care Centre with its One Stop Clinic.
“People say the NHS should fund these things,” says Susan. “They do, but we help them buy the very latest equipment which helps them diagnose and treat women faster.”
Through a huge number of find raising events the charity has raised a million pounds and in its anniversary year is aiming to raise £100,000.
Each of the women involved in the charity have been touched by breast cancer and have raised the money through parties, events and charity runs.
The charity is supported by Bristol MP Thangam Debbonaire, who is recovering from breast cancer: “I have had such brilliant treatment from Mr Simon Cawthorn and the Bristol Breast Care team,” she said.
“Being diagnosed in a specialist place, with staff who focus exclusively on breast cancer, meant I felt very secure and safe throughout my treatment. BUST gives such great support to the work of the Bristol Breast Care Centre.”
In its anniversary year the charity is hoping to raise £100,000 through a charity ball at the beginning of April and entering a running team in the Bristol 10k.
BUST is looking for more volunteers to take part in the Bristol 10K. For more information, visit www.bustbristol.co.uk
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