A GROUP of women affected by breast cancer have raised hundreds of pounds to support others who are battling the disease.  

Lynn Johnston decided to hold ‘Breast Fest’ at her Distington home after hearing the annual Think Pink fundraising event was not going ahead at Energus this year.

Lynn and her friends, Jade Carson and Katie Fitzpatrick, organised a ‘grazing’ table for guests to enjoy, along with lots of games, activities and spa treatments to enjoy.

The total raised currently stands at more than £700, and this will be donated to the BreastFootForward group, which in turn, will help the breast unit at the West Cumberland Hospital. The money raised will go towards making care packages for cancer patients.

The group started off with only two people, who had nobody to turn to following a breast cancer diagnosis. It has now grown to 60 people.

Lynn’s friend, Michele McBride, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in June last year, said the cause was ‘very close’ to their hearts.

“We all just want to give back to the amazing care we’ve had. Lynn was amazing to invite us all to her home and put this on. She’s got a heart of gold. She has been organising this for weeks.”

Michele, who completed her treatment in September 2023, said the care she received at the West Cumberland Hospital and the Cumberland Infirmary was ‘absolutely amazing’.

She said: “The door is never closed. If you need to speak to them, you just pick up the phone and someone will speak to you. The staff give 110 per cent all of the time.

“I’m really thankful to them all. The surgeons are lifesavers.”

Michele also urged people to check their chests and under their arms for any changes on the first day of every month.

She said: “It’s not just looking for a lump – it’s changes. Mine was a change that would have never been picked up on.

“I was given an appointment at the unit within two weeks and then had surgery within six weeks.

“Don’t put off going to the doctors. It’s your chance to save your life. There is nothing to be scared about.

“Initially, it is terrible to be told you’ve got cancer. It’s like looking down the barrel of a gun. But then you do become very strong and the support at the West Cumberland is the best.”

Breast symptoms to look out for:

  • a new lump or thickening in your breast or armpit
  • a change in size, shape or feel of your breast
  • skin changes in the breast such as puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness of the skin
  • fluid leaking from the nipple in a woman who isn’t pregnant or breastfeeding
  • changes in the position of the nipple