A BRAVE-HEARTED cancer patient has turned her battle into a campaign to help others with the disease – and has raised £12,000 in just 12 months.
Nurse Helen Haigh was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2014 and is being treated at the Victoria Breast Unit at the Royal Oldham Hospital.
Determined to make the best of her situation, she launched a year-long fundraising campaign of fun events in aid of the LINK4PINK appeal at the hospital.
Helen explained: “To say my diagnosis came as a bit of a shock was an understatement.
“As a staff nurse myself at the Christie hospital I work with cancer patients on a daily basis and fully understand what they and their families go through.
“Once the boot is on the other foot it becomes a whole new ball game. All the staff who work there have been fantastic.
“I want to give something back to their LINK4PINK appeal and I decided to do a year-long challenge to raise money for the staff and patients.”
Her fundraising challenge culminated in a glittering Big Pink Charity Dinner Dance at the Civic Hall in Uppermill, hosted alongside Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.
Helen presented a cheque for £12,000 to consultant breast surgeon Maria Bramley from the Victoria Breast Unit after smashing her fundraising target.
The night was compered by fundraiser Gill Bussey while entertainment was provided by singer Cara Robinson.
Kieran McMahon also took to the stage as part of his own challenge to perform gig number 23 of 24 in just 24 hours to raise money for Dr Kershaw’s.
And there was a stunning Fashion Show displaying designer clothes without the high price tags, all modelled by people affected by cancer and on sale in Dr Kershaw’s charity shops.
Helen added: “I have been kindly joined in my appeal by a truly inspirational friend Helen Pedroza, who is also a nurse and has breast cancer.
“I have had lots of messages from friends doing various fundraising events on my behalf and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Find out more about Link4Pink on their Facebook page or support Helen by donating on her Just Giving page.
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