Publish date: 5 September 2024
A Tameside breast cancer patient inspired by the love and support from nurses during treatment has raised more than £6,000 for charity.
Lindsey Milhench’s fundraising efforts have led to a huge £3,430 donation to Tameside Hospital’s Macmillan Unit.
A further £2,570 is also going directly towards Macmillan Cancer Support.
To mark the completion of her chemotherapy in June, Lindsey hosted a prosecco afternoon and fundraising party on Saturday 20 July at the Astley Arms in Stalybridge.
Aided by an array of raffle prizes from local businesses, ranging from an Xbox to a weekend Airbnb stay, Lindsey’s family and close friends put on an afternoon to remember.
Lindsey was diagnosed with breast cancer after discovering a lump in her right breast in August 2023.
Despite the lump disappearing in the days before the mammogram, a procedure which checks for potentially cancerous lumps in breasts, cancer was confirmed in the following weeks.
Crucially, the cancer was caught early and Lindsey went through chemotherapy and radiotherapy with the help and support of medical professionals at the Tameside Macmillan Unit.
Speaking about her experiences, Lindsey said: “I was lucky enough to be able to have most of my chemotherapy at the Tameside Macmillan Unit, which I found really helped me through my treatments.
“Everyone is very ‘normal’ which is what I needed when faced with a life altering illness. They make you feel like it’s ok to be you and to feel how you feel.
“They are also there to tell you about the services they offer like financial support and information on community projects. Since diagnosis I have been to community allotments, local make up classes and much more.
“Because of these services, I’ve made a whole new group of friends and we all support each other. We meet once a month, take part in different events and support each other when it’s needed.
With help from family, friends, Louver-Lite Ltd, other local businesses and the general public, Lindsey’s prosecco afternoon and party was judged an overwhelming success – and she is only just getting started.
“I’m planning on running the Manchester Half Marathon in May 2025 to raise more funds,” she said.
“I get tired a little quicker at the moment but I’m starting to build my fitness levels by going out for walks on my lunch hour and hopefully I’ll be back to normal – or even a new and improved version!
“I’ve said since day one that at the end of this journey, if I can help just one person see the light in their journey, then I’m happy. I hope I can pass my knowledge and care on to somebody else starting or mid-way through their journey.
“It’s been a rocky 12 months but there is definitely a light at the end of the tunnel.”
The money raised for the cancer fund will go towards the support of patients receiving cancer treatment in Tameside.
