Funded by Chorley mum, the first Boot Out Breast Cancer’s Coffee, Cake and Care group took place on 29 October at Bolton’s Regent Park Golf Club.
The mum of two, and wife to ex-football manager Iain Dowie, Debbie Dowie, launched Boot Out Breast Cancer over 15 years ago after receiving her own cancer treatment.
With an aim to support cancer patients and those closest to them, Debbie has raised £1.85 million in total, through fundraisers for equipment for the Central Lancashire Breast Unit at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital.
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When talking about her own treatment of cancer, Debbie said: “One day, I just noticed an area of puckering. I showed it to a GP friend of mine, and straightaway, she said she didn’t like the look of it and to go immediately to my own GP.
“They found two breast lumps. Following my surgery, I luckily didn’t have to have chemotherapy. As soon as I was well enough and because I had experience of both fundraising and volunteering, I started Boot Out Breast Cancer with a small group of friends to raise funds for the newest equipment.”
Machine’s the charity have helped purchase, including a vacuum-assisted biopsy system and post mastectomy bras for the Central Lancashire Breast Unit, working closely with Rosemere Cancer Foundation.
The event, held on 29 October, consisted of advice, complementary health practitioners to offer treatments, and a tattoo artist.
Debbie added that those who came along have an opportunity to join a Facebook group to support and maintain friendships outside of the meetings.
She said: “Coffee, Cake, and Care meetings are about bringing people going through treatment together.”
“My best Boot Out Breast Cancer supporters are my family. Iain has involved friends and contacts from the football world, who have gifted raffle and auction prizes that money just can’t buy.
“I really hope the Coffee, Cake, and Care group meetings achieve the same success as our fundraisers because having that support outside of the breast unit can also be vital to patients’ recovery.”
Since its opening, the charity has also developed an app that can be downloaded for free under its Boot Out Breast Cancer name, which can be used to set up breast check reminders and shows both women and men how to self-examine their breasts.
You can look at other Boot Out Breast Cancer events here.
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