Helping change cancer statistics

Carole Moreton and Linda Sagar are the best of friends. They are also two women with a great sense of humour, a real zest for life.

It’s unmistakable as soon as you meet them.

But they also know what it’s like to see friends and loved ones go through pain and heartache.

It was why they decided to stage two fundraising events last summer to raise much-needed cash to fight breast cancer.

Both have seen people close to them battle the disease and the terrible tragedy it can inflict.

The events proved so successful the head office of Breakthrough Breast Cancer asked Carole if she and Linda were interested in running a special co-ordinating committee in Shropshire.

Although the county has a great reputation for raising funds there was no central committee acting as a focal point for fundraisers.

That was in October last year and Carole and Linda both jumped at the chance.

But the decision was to prove all the more poignant just a month later when Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer.

It was picked up on a routine mammogram and was so small that Linda could not feel a lump.

But certainly the work they were about to embark on was all the more important now it had been brought even closer to home.

“I feel very well now and I really relish the chance of working on this new project with Carole,” said Linda.

The pair have been joined by Carole’s stepdaughter Sarah Moreton, who is acting as treasurer.

Not only will the new committee act as a group which can accept cheques from fundraisers they will also be drumming up even more support in the area for Breakthrough and are looking forward to attracting even more volunteers willing to collect cash at various events.

“This is really important to us and it is as much about raising money as it is about raising awareness,” added Carole.

“Breakthrough means something because all the money goes to research and we feel that is a very positive step forward.

“So many advances have already been made and that is fantastic and we know we can get to a place where we will be rid of this disease if we can get the financial support to keep the good work continuing.

“Linda was one of eight or nine friends all due for routine screening around that time and I thought to myself that the statistics meant one of us would have it.”

Linda is a remarkably positive lady - something which has obviously helped so much in her own battle against breast cancer.

“I do feel positive and I do feel that what we are doing is very positive which is why I am determined to make it really work here in Shropshire and to make people sit up and take notice,” she said.

“We do want this to make it easier for people in

Shropshire to support Breakthrough.”

Carole can be contacted on 01743 891868, email clmoreton@hotmail.co.uk or contact Linda on 01743 891744.