Pink October 2020 – Day 19

“When I was told I had Grade 2 Lobular Breast Cancer, a black cloud suddenly shrouded my life. How serious was it? What did it mean? What do I do? How do I tell family? What will happen to me? So many, many questions. My life had changed in one split second on being told that news. The pain and despair were devastating.

 

In life, we cannot avoid the pain and every bad thing from happening to us, we have to accept that. But there is a tomorrow and hope after despair.

It is said that the darkest hour is before dawn. But there was a sunrise, and with that sunrise was a ray of hope to help guide me through the labyrinth of uncertainty.

 

That ray of hope is The Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven who were there for me and they helped me through what was the beginning of the first day of my new life – which it was. They picked me up when I fell, and when I needed it – they held my hand.

 

The weeks after my surgery were hard but I knew I was on the road to recovery. From Surgeon Mr Thrush and his NHS breast team and to everyone connected to the Breast Unit, I had unbelievable support. My husband, Dave, family, and neighbours who were there giving me the encouragement to keep going and never to look back.

 

It was during this recovery period that Dave and I felt that we would like to do some fundraising for the Breast Unit, so we decided on a fashion show.

We held the show in Broadway, with myself and 8 neighbours doing the modelling and, along with a wonderful team of volunteers, we raised over £1500 for the unit.

 

But just as importantly, to the 100 plus people who attended, it gave us the opportunity to bring awareness of the Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven and its achievements.”

 

Chrissie Bruton

 

(Pictured here with husband Dave at their fashion show, both looking spectacular!)