Our Story

Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK, with official figures showing that more than 45,500 women in the UK were diagnosed with the illness in 2006*. With around 125 women a day receiving the diagnosis, breast cancer is something that has touched the lives of many within the UK, either through their own experience or that of a friend or relative.

Geordie Chapter Director Julie Horsfield is one such woman; she supported best friend Margaret through coping with the illness. Julie was there on the day that Margaret received the diagnosis at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) and accompanied her throughout the process of the mastectomy and subsequent chemotherapy.

Margaret, like many women who have been affected by breast cancer, has now received the all clear and is living life to the full. NHS breast screening in England saves the lives of 1,400 women each year and survival rates have been increasing for the past 20 years. Patients surviving beyond five years has grown from 5 out of 10 in the 1970s to 8 out of 10*.

Newcastle's RVI is now looking for help to raise funds for a vital new piece of equipment that will improve the service they are able to provide for patients in Tyne & Wear. A Scinti scanner - costing £25,000 - would minimise the extent of surgery required by patients at the hospital and make a big difference to the hospital's cancer department.

Upon hearing of the hospital's plight from Julie - business partners Paul O'Callaghan and David Hall who have recently taken over local dealership, Newcastle Harley-Davidson and Buell, have pledged their support in raising the much-needed funds.

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* Source: Cancer Research website