A CHARITY donation by Ashton-under-Lyne law firm Bromleys Solicitors has taken on special significance after one of its senior team was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Practice manager Louise Nolan was diagnosed with breast cancer three months after the firm chose The Christie Charity as its charity of the year.
She has since undergone a double mastectomy, completed 12 rounds of chemotherapy and is now receiving a 12-month course of immunotherapy as part of her ongoing treatment.
Now back at work full-time, Louise is sharing her experience to encourage more women to attend routine breast screening, saying early detection made a crucial difference to her treatment.
Over the past year, Bromleys raised £4,370 for The Christie Charity through a series of fundraising events, including themed lunches, a Santa Dash and the AJ Bell Great Manchester 10k, where six members of staff took part.
The cheque was presented to John Ashley, senior corporate development manager at The Christie Charity, at the firm’s offices.
Louise, who has worked at Bromleys for 20 years, said: “The firm really got behind The Christie Charity and has been hugely supportive of me.
“The treatment and care I’ve received from The Christie cannot be faulted. It’s an amazing facility to have in the region and I’m so pleased that Bromleys has been able to raise funds for it, as The Christie Charity does tremendous work.
“My breast cancer was detected following my first routine mammogram since turning 50. I felt pleased and relieved that I’d gone for screening, and thankfully my cancer was found at an early stage.
“While initially I was worried when I was invited to go for further tests, I felt strangely calm when I got the diagnosis. I just accepted the situation and got on with it.
“The chemotherapy was quite gruelling at times, but it was not as bad as I thought it might be. I’m now feeling much better as all the side effects have lifted.”
Louise is now urging women to attend breast screening appointments and to be aware of any changes.
She added: “A mammogram is offered to every woman aged over 50 and under 70 every three years, and I would urge everyone eligible to be screened. The service is ultimately there to save your life.
“I want something positive to come from my experiences, so I would encourage more women to attend for screening. It’s also important to check yourself.
“The earlier you act and seek advice if you notice anything unusual, hopefully the better the outcome will be if cancer is detected.”
The Christie Charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust by funding life-saving cancer treatment, pioneering research and additional care and services for patients and their families.
John Ashley said: “It was a pleasure to work with Bromleys Solicitors during the period in which The Christie Charity was the firm’s charity of the year.
“The enthusiasm and creativity Bromleys showed with fundraising was very impressive. Every event and activity, however small or large, contributes to the lifesaving and life-changing work of the hospital.
“We’re incredibly grateful for this support, which will impact patients and their families for years to come.”
Chris Eaton, a solicitor in Bromleys’ wills and probate team and a member of the firm’s staff committee, said: “Over the course of the year, the team came together to support The Christie Charity through a variety of fundraising initiatives.
“The amount raised was significant and reflected the enthusiasm and generosity of colleagues across the firm.
“When we chose The Christie Charity as our charity of the year, we had no idea how close to home it would become.
“Seeing the support Louise received made our fundraising efforts feel even more worthwhile, and we’re proud to have supported such an important cause.”
Bromleys has now named Willow Wood Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne as its new charity of the year.
Joanne Lees, partnership development lead at the hospice, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Bromleys Solicitors has chosen Willow Wood Hospice as its charity of the year.
“As two organisations with strong roots in our local community and a shared commitment to supporting local people, we’re looking forward to working together over the coming year.
“The support from everyone at Bromleys will help raise vital funds and increase awareness of the specialist care and support we provide to patients and families across Tameside and Glossop. Partnerships like this make a real difference, and we are incredibly grateful to have Bromleys by our side.”