Ruth Boardman and Rena Shanahan from the Hint of Pink appeal at the Breast Care Centre at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. both women were treated for breast cancer at the hospital and are now volunteers
The Breast Cancer Team at Blackpool Victoria Hospital will be selling cakes on the main entrance mezzanine floor tomorrow (Thursday, February 11) in the run-up to Valentine’s Day to raise funds for the Hint of Pink appeal.
In conjunction with Blue Skies Hospitals Fund, the campaign aims to purchase a Faxitron machine to help in the fight against breast cancer.
The cake stall will be open between 10am and 2pm with a range of tasty treats baked by both patients and staff.
The breast team will also have a health promotion stand during the event to give information and advice to patients, visitors and staff.
Ruth Boardman and Rena Shanahan from the Hint of Pink appeal are backing the event.
The friends and former employees of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals operate under the banner ‘Hint of Pink’ and in just a few years they have raised around £50,000.
Ruth said: “People are so generous – it’s amazing. We feel very humbled by the public’s support. Small things can make a big difference.”
Ruth and Rena, who both live in Carlton, know more than most about breast cancer, having survived it themselves.
They had lost contact, but got back together a few years ago when they were both in recovery.
The bubbly and caring friends are always happy to support others and have come up with some novel ways of making life better for patients.
Their fundraising activities have included dinner dances, selling Hint of Pink items, garden parties and netball tournaments. They also have a collection bucket at the Pork Butchers in Poulton which brings in good sums of money. People of all ages turn up at Ruth and Rena’s events and give them money as they are so touched by what they do.
Ruth and Rena say the fact that they both worked as nurses for the Trust helps when they are supporting women. Ruth worked in gynaecology and Rena worked on the maternity ward.
Ruth said: “Breast Cancer can be very frightening but we can say to women, ‘we’ve been on this journey and we’re still here’.
“It’s not a death sentence. It’s very rare these days that they say there is nothing they can do.”
Rena added: “An awful lot of breast cancers are cured now. The treatments have come on leaps and bounds.
“We are lucky to live in this area because the treatment is very good. The breast care nurses and doctors are fantastic. It’s a brilliant team.”