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One of our new members, Helen Forbes, the Network Organiser for Breast Cancer Care in Tayside told us how the organisation had been set up 35 years ago by Betty Westgate, a woman with first-hand experience of breast cancer and the difficulties of getting access to high quality information and support. At that time, patients were given very little information about their condition and were left feeling scared, confused and vulnerable. Thankfully, much progress has been made since then.
Helen had recently attended a conference in Milan where it was revealed that Ninewells Hospital in Dundee is one of 13 centres of excellence in Europe.
Breast Cancer Care’s head office is in London with regional offices throughout the UK. Helen became a volunteer 10 years ago when there were 12 volunteers in Scotland; there are now 96.
All volunteers have had breast cancer which means they are able to identify with most queries as they have ‘been there’ and probably had similar thoughts. Thanks to a comprehensive database, when anyone rings the free helpline number, they are matched by the peer support team to a volunteer with a similar diagnosis, type of treatment, age and background.
There are many services available: courses, talks, booklets, DVDs and these are all free of charge.
Helen went on to talk about the fundraising activities she is involved in. The next event will be an afternoon tea on Sunday 29th March at the Apex Hotel in Dundee with the theme of ‘Up wi the (Easter) Bonnets of Bonnie Dundee’. Guests are asked to wear hats (either haute couture or handmade Easter Bonnets). There will be a Hair and Hat Demonstration by Freedom Hair and a speaker from the Bonnetmakers Guild. There will be a prize for the most glamorous and most eye-catching creation.
 
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