Posted on: 04 May 2023
After almost 30 years together, the Nottingham Breast Institute said a final ‘thank you’ and ‘goodbye’ to members of a support group who have been volunteering their time to help patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
As part of this, the group have been busy fundraising over the years for equipment at the Breast Institute, and helping to support Professor Stephen Chan in his research.
To celebrate, the group, along with members of hospital staff, were invited to the Nottingham Breast Institute for a thank you event, which was also their last ever gathering as a support group.
The Breast Cancer Support Group stand with Professor Stephen Chan inside the Breast Institute
When the group originally formed they started off as two separate groups, a support group and a fundraising group, but eventually merged into one group and have raised over £240,000 – a phenomenal amount, which has gone on to help fund specialist equipment, research and facilities at Nottingham’s hospitals to better support patients before, during and after diagnosis.
Over the years, the group have taken on many different fundraising activities, from creating their own Christmas cards, through to having a dedicated stall at Woodborough Hall.
Jackie Wheeler, Chair of the support group, told attendees that she was proud of what they had achieved over the years, and was sad to see the group end. She also was incredibly grateful to Professor Chan and his colleagues for the care the group has received over the years.
During the evening, they presented Professor Chan with their final donation, which will go towards supporting projects close to their hearts.
Professor Stephen Chan celebrates the final group gathering with a specially designed cake
Professor Chan, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, said of the group: “The Nottingham Breast Cancer Support Group has been an essential part of our breast cancer service to our patients and their families for over 30 years.
“Their support to our patients and their families, as well as the clinical teams, is invaluable.”
Everyone at the event and Nottingham Hospitals Charity is sad to see the support group close, and we would like to thank them for everything they have done over the years.
You can support services like the Breast Institute by donating or taking part in a fundraising event.