Breast cancer survivor and 'super fundraiser' Carol raises £7,000 for Peterborough City Hospital

Carol Collier had already raised over £70,000 for the breast unit after she was diagnosed in December 2014 following a routine mammogram. Since then Carol has raised a phenomenal amount of money and even the Covid restrictions haven’t prevented her from supporting the unit with huge charitable donations.

Carol has raised an astonishing amount of money every year through organising a ‘Ladies Lunch’. However, her event in December 2020 was postponed due to the changing Covid restrictions. Despite this many of the booked guests and sponsors continued to show their support by making donations to the cause.

Carol said: “Ordinarily we would have expected to raise around £16,000 from the event so we were astonished that we have been able to raise £7,000 despite the event being cancelled. The generosity of guests and sponsors seems to know no bounds.”

Guests who donated were still entered into the draws to win a long list of top quality prizes, including designer handbags, spa days and pamper treatments.

Carol’s cancer was treated early and she is now cancer free, but she hopes that by organising these events it not only raises vital funds to provide those added extras for patients, but also raises awareness to the public to check their breasts, raise concerns with their GP and make sure that those eligible for screening attend their appointments.

Claire Hall, Breast Care Nurse Specialist, for North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Once again we would like to say a huge thank you to Carol and everyone who has donated and supported this event. Despite the event being postponed we are incredibly grateful for the generous donations that have been made.”

More information about breast cancer is available via www.breastcancernow.org/about-us/media/facts-statisticsThings that you need to look out for include:

a lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit

changes on the surface of the skin, such as puckering or dimpling

any changes in colour, shape or size of the breast or breast pain not associated with monthly periods

discharge from the nipple

a change to the nipple itself such as the nipple becoming inverted