Wear It Pink Day 2024

Did you know, 1 in 7 women in the UK will face breast cancer in their lifetime? We proudly wore pink to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Now and support life-saving breast cancer research.

Along with standing in solidarity with those affected, we are extremely pleased to take a moment to share Nikki’s touching story, our amazing Head of Care Professionals, who is five-years cancer-free…

In May 2018, shortly after turning 47, I went for my first mammogram. They had lowered the age for breast screening because it takes the mobile scanner three years to cover the entire country. In June, after a follow-up mammogram and a biopsy, I received news I never expected: I had left invasive ductal carcinoma, and the doctors were already discussing radiotherapy treatment.

During surgery, they discovered a 2cm lump, and it had spread to my lymph nodes, which led to the removal of three of them. I was told I would need chemotherapy in addition to radiotherapy. Our world turned upside down.

The thought of losing my hair in clumps was too much to bear, so I decided to take control. With the support of my local pub, we organized a “Brave the Shave” night, where I, along with another friend who also had long hair, shaved our heads. Some of the men joined in too. That night, we raised over £3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

When we got home, I collapsed onto the kitchen floor, overwhelmed with emotion, and my husband held me in his arms as we both cried. That was the moment it truly hit me: I have cancer.

After completing both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, ringing the bell, and receiving incredible support from the breast team, family, and friends, I am proud to say that I am now five years cancer-free. This year, I was officially discharged from the breast unit at Chorley Hospital.

I did beat it.

Please remember to check yourself regularly 🩷💜