A STALYBRIDGE woman who has raised over £100,000 for charities is urging others not to ignore breast screening invitations – after a routine mammogram during the Covid pandemic saved her life.
Joanne Hinds says her breast cancer diagnosis in January 2021 came completely out of the blue.
She had no symptoms and hadn’t felt a lump but her screening appointment picked up something that could have easily gone unnoticed.
“I never for one moment thought there was anything wrong,” the 62-year-old said. “I will be forever grateful that I went to that appointment. It saved my life.”
Joanne, who works for Tameside Council’s Shared Lives Team at Copley, has been a familiar face at Willow Wood Hospice for over 15 years, volunteering alongside her husband Chris.
Between them, the pair have raised around £110,000 through coffee mornings, quiz nights and music events.
She’s also part of Bosom Buddies, a local support group for people affected by breast cancer. Earlier this year, the group made headlines of their own after producing a ‘Calendar Girls’-style calendar that raised more than £5,500 for Macmillan Tameside and Prevent Breast Cancer.
Joanne’s experience inspired her to write a book, Mrs H’s Storm in a D Cup, which mixes honesty and humour to help others facing a cancer diagnosis. All proceeds have gone to charities including Mossley Cancer Committee, Prevent Breast Cancer, Willow Wood Hospice and the Macmillan Unit at Tameside.
“I’ve met so many women who say my book helped ease their anxiety,” Joanne said. “I just want more people to know how important it is to go. It’s quick, it’s free, and it could save your life.”
Her message is simple: “If you get that letter inviting you for a mammogram, don’t put it in the ‘too hard to do’ drawer. My mantra is: if in doubt, check it out.”
Breast screening is offered every three years to women aged 50 to 71 who are registered with a GP as female. The process takes just a few minutes, is carried out by specialist female staff, and saves around 1,300 lives in the UK every year.
Councillor Taf Sharif, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, said: “Jo isn’t just an inspiration, she’s a friend whose courage and compassion have touched so many lives. Her story is a powerful reminder of why breast screening matters. It’s quick, it’s free, and it saves lives. We’re incredibly proud of the work she’s done to raise awareness and support others, and we urge everyone who’s eligible to attend their appointment when invited.”
For more information about breast screening and what to expect, visit www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram.