Our Colleagues Sue Owen and Amanda Adair were both diagnosed with Breast Cancer last year and use Breast Cancer Haven – a charity that offers vital one-to-one emotional, physical and practical support to anyone affected by breast cancer. To support them they’re modelling in the Breast Cancer Haven Blossom Fashion show on May 19 at the Grand Harbour Hotel.
A bit about the show…
Blossom will showcase those who have been affected by breast cancer and have used their services at their breast cancer support centre in Titchfield, Fareham. Featuring a catwalk show, a 2-course lunch, stalls selling fashion wares, musical performance, with auction and raffle, it promises to be a wonderful Sunday event. If you’re interested in going along you can get a ticket on their website.
And here’s why Sue and Amanda wanted to get involved…
Sue’s story…
‘I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer whilst 36 weeks pregnant on 20 April 2018, a date that will stay with me forever. I had to give birth 4 weeks early and had Baby Matilda, not the best start to my Maternity leave but she was absolutely perfect! I started treatment a couple of weeks later – chemotherapy followed by Mastectomy and Radiotherapy. I didn’t find time during my treatment to visit Breast Cancer Haven, but had heard about them through work as they were the chosen charity. I have since started using the centre.
It’s such an amazing, calming and welcoming place that really is a haven! I have had complementary treatments to help with the effects of having had Breast cancer which have helped me so much. Amanda and I met through a Facebook support group and soon realised we worked for the same company! We have supported each other through what has sometimes been a very difficult time and, as much as friends and family are a great support, having someone who fully understands what you mean is just invaluable. Breast Cancer Haven are hosting a Fashion show called ‘Blossom’ in May. It is a daytime event with lunch included in the ticket price and I will be walking the cat walk with my good friend Amanda to show support for this amazing charity. It would be great if our CUK colleagues could come along to support.
Amanda’s story…
Back in December 2017 I was given the diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma in two areas (for you who don’t know this is a form of breast cancer). This news came just 5 days after my wedding and 3 days after Christmas; to say it was a shock was and still is an understatement – not how we wanted to be starting our newly married life. Within 8 weeks I had undergone a mastectomy, which was followed by 18 weeks of chemo and then finally radiotherapy – I am still on a long road to full recovery but there has been and continues to be support and help along the way.
One of these is The Breast Cancer Haven, who have been a source of support since my treatment ended. The centre is welcoming and friendly and I’ve been able to access complementary therapies such as aroma therapy massage. Another great source of support has been Sue Owen who I found through the power of social media and we realised we both worked at Carnival House! We’ve become solid friends with lots of coffee and tea dates. Through another online support group it was advertised that The Breast Cancer Haven were hosting The Blossom Fashion Show and I decided to volunteer; we’re currently in the outfit selection stage – very exciting! We currently have around 40 women and men who are at varying stages of their breast cancer journeys. The fashion show will be fantastic for raising awareness and money for the charity and will also be a great confidence boost for those taking part. I’m really excited that Sue and I will be doing this together and it would be great to see support from our colleagues and friends at CUK!
So, if you want to go along and support Sue and Amanda, head to the Blossom Fashion show site.