Hi Everyone,

First off, I’d like to say a massive thank you for being here and helping raise money for the breast cancer unit at The Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Unfortunately, I was a diagnosed with breast cancer on the 26 th of September 2022, a date I will never forget.

Throughout this time, I’ve undergone numerous scans, biopsies, surgery,

chemotherapy, radiotherapy. My treatment continues until January 2024, and I’ll be taking daily meds for the next 10 years to try and keep the bastard away.

I’ll be honest, it’s the toughest thing I’ve ever been through both physically and mentally, but I also know how lucky I am to be able to treat my cancer and hopefully stick around on planet earth for a lot more years to come.

I’m so grateful for all the love and support my family and friends have given me. There’s another group of people who have also been there for me from day 1 and that’s the NHS team at The Princess Alexandra breast unit. I truly can’t thank them enough.

They were at the end of the phone as and when I needed them, they made me laugh, they reassured me, they took the time to comfort me when times were tough, and I’ve been beyond lucky to of met them and had them with me on this difficult journey.

With a special shout out to my legendary consultant Mr Patel, we hit it off straight away and I immediately felt safe and knew I was in good hands. I’ll never forget when I came round from surgery and I said “ah we did it”….and he kindly reminded me “we…you were asleep for the whole thing Rebecca”. To laugh after having boob surgery was the best thing.

A massive thank you to my wonderful oncologist Dr Konstantis, Karen and Claire my breast care nurses and all of the phenomenal team at The Williams Day Unit where I underwent chemotherapy.   

Thank you to all our amazing sponsors, we couldn’t have organised this event without your support.  So, a big thanks to CHIEF, Eclectic Music, Bark Sound Studios, Tantrum, Electric Theatre Collective, String & Tins, Caviar, Outsider and Merman.  

Finally a huge thank you to Fin Taylor for providing such incredible comedic talent for our event, and to Brash Events for producing the show and making it all happen.

As cliché as it sounds my cancer diagnosis changed me and in a good way - cheesy but true…thanks for reading and here’s to a great night.   

P.S Don’t forget to check your boobs.

What will your donations get?

Research nurse (20 hours) £500

Here at The Princess Alexandra Hospital and St Margaret’s Hospital, we have a breast cancer clinical trials unit staffed by a charity funded research nurse conducting clinical trials in collaboration with the National Cancer Research Network and several top global pharmaceutical companies. These trials have led to major advances, including Herceptin, now used nationally for treating breast cancer.

One patient to attend the Moving On programme £150

The Moving On programme teaches patients lifelong techniques to feel the best they can. A six-week course covering nutrition, musculoskeletal maintenance, exercise, mind fitness, dressing and forward planning.

One patient to attend the Fabulous and Beautiful (FAB) programme £50

At our FAB sessions, patients have the opportunity to get help and advice from image consultations with a fashion stylist, learn how to apply false eyelashes, get help and advice about hair loss, try out bras and wigs and enjoy a complimentary beauty treatment. It is also a chance to share their experiences with other ladies on a similar path.

One patient to attend the Back to Fitness programme £50

A fun, six-week exercise course for breast cancer patients where all levels of fitness are welcome. Recent research has shown that regular exercise reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence*. Added to the other benefits of exercise, our patients are able to look to the future with increased confidence.