Raising £6,000 just the beginning for Lindsey

A breast cancer patient from Dukinfield has given £6,000 to charity after hosting a prosecco and fundraising party.

Lindsey Milhench organised the event at the Astley Arms in Stalybridge after completing her chemotherapy treatment in June. 

Local businesses contributed raffle prizes, including an Xbox and a weekend away, which led to donations of £3,430 to the Macmillan Unit at Tameside Hospital and £2,570 to Macmillan Cancer Support. 

Lindsey discovered a lump in her right breast in August 2023, and although it disappeared before her mammogram appointment, tests confirmed an early cancer diagnosis. 

“I was lucky enough to be able to have most of my chemotherapy at the Tameside Macmillan Unit, which I found really helped me through my treatments,” Lindsey said. 

“Everyone is very ‘normal’ which is what I needed when faced with a life altering illness. They make you feel like it’s ok to be you and to feel how you feel. 

“They are also there to tell you about the services they offer like financial support and information on community projects. Since diagnosis I have been to community allotments, local make up classes and much more. 

“Because of these services, I’ve made a whole new group of friends and we all support each other. We meet once a month, take part in different events and support each other when it’s needed.” 

Despite raising so much, Lindsey is determined to raise even more in the future, including running the Manchester Half Marathon next May. 

“I get tired a little quicker at the moment, but I’m starting to build my fitness levels by going out for walks on my lunch hour and hopefully I’ll be back to normal – or even a new and improved version! 

“I’ve said since day one that at the end of this journey, if I can help just one person see the light in their journey, then I’m happy. I hope I can pass my knowledge and care on to somebody else starting or midway through their journey. 

“It’s been a rocky 12 months but there is definitely a light at the end of the tunnel.”