Oldham-mum, whose life was saved by early mammogram, is now helping others with breast cancer appeal

This lifesaving appeal will fund a state-of-the-art National Breast Imaging Academy facility at the Nightingale Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital, part of the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) family of hospitals.

The Trust’s own Charity – Manchester Foundation Trust Charity – and Prevent Breast Cancer have teamed up to raise the remaining £ 1.8 million needed to make the building a reality. It will train the breast clinicians of the future – plugging staff shortfalls and addressing the backlogs seen after the pandemic and the closing of other breast clinics in the region.

Dawn Lomas, 53, who lives in Bardsley, Oldham, with husband Mark and sons Philip and Robert, publicly shares her story to help promote the Build to Beat Breast Cancer Appeal for the first time. She survived breast cancer due to an early diagnosis and is now promoting the Build to Beat Breast Cancer Appeal. This will train breast cancer specialists of the future, which will, in turn, ensure more women can be diagnosed and saved.

Not only is Dawn keen to promote the Appeal, but she also feels strongly about mammograms playing an essential part in early detection.

Because of early detection when her cancer was a Stage 2, it was small enough to operate on.  It was most likely a survivable cancer. 

“Everyone, all the staff, was just incredible,” said Dawn, who works at MFT Trust, where she was treated.

“After my lumpectomy, I was given some exercises to do to help prepare me for radiotherapy. A session with the physiotherapy team at the Nightingale Centre allowed me to ask many questions – walking and light exercise help with recovery. Still, it would be a while before I could play my favourite hobby, squash, again. Lots of great practical guidance was also offered in that session.”

“Early diagnosis is such a huge part of surviving breast cancer. I’m so grateful it was caught in time, and I’d urge everyone who gets an invite for a mammogram to attend the appointment.”

People like Dawn will help the charity reach its £ 1.8 million target. 

Angela Rowe, Deputy Director of the Charity, said: “The National Breast Imaging Academy will train the breast clinicians of the future. And they will be the key to unlocking shorter waiting times, improved outcomes, and increased survival rates. Put simply – if you donate to this Appeal, you’re helping to save lives.

“Perhaps you could take part in one of our events and make it your 2024 New Year’s Resolution to do something to help increase breast cancer survival rates.

*You can visit www.mftcharity.org.uk to learn more about the Appeal, watch the video, donate or sign up for an event.