A woman from Heysham who has raised thousands for charity is encouraging women to attend their routine screening appointments after her own breast cancer diagnosis.
Vicki Edwards was 54 when she received the news in 2024 that she had primary breast cancer.
Vicki, who runs Mossgate Day Nursery in Heysham, was attending her second routine mammogram.
Alongside raising awareness during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Vicki is fundraising for CancerCare, a local charity that provides support to people affected by cancer and bereavement.
During 2024, Vicki raised £3,000 for various charities, and she is continuing her efforts for CancerCare this year.
The NHS invites most women between 50 and 70 for breast cancer screening via mammogram every three years.
“I had no symptoms at all, and I was in perfect health,” she said.
“The mammogram detected that something was abnormal. I can’t even imagine what the outcome could have been if I hadn’t gone to that appointment.”
Vicki described her treatment as a “whirlwind.”
“Everything happened so quickly once I was diagnosed, and I can’t fault the NHS for how they responded.
"Exactly 42 days after being diagnosed, I had a lumpectomy, and two weeks after that I was informed that the surgeon had got all the cancer out – there was 12mm of cancer to remove. I then had preventative radiotherapy.”
Vicki was referred to CancerCare by her Macmillan nurse. She benefited from sessions of The Alexander Technique and she continues to participate in the charity’s virtual yoga sessions.
“CancerCare has been an incredible support to me,” she said.
“I’m constantly grounded, too, as I’m always meeting and connecting with new people going through their own cancer journeys.”
Vicki has a JustGiving page open for donations, and Mossgate Nursery and local group Jubilee Flower Arranging Club are hosting The Big Bloom Raffle.
“We have some amazing prizes, including overnight stays and meal vouchers," she said.
"We are also hosting a Gruffalo Dash and a Halloween Disco to raise even more funds for CancerCare.”
Vicki is spending the month speaking to local women, too.
“I want to encourage women to go for their mammograms; they save lives.
"I never, ever thought I’d hear the words ‘you have cancer,’ but I found myself in that situation.
“I am spending October out in the community, speaking to strangers and informing people about how to get support locally. Women need to take time out to look after themselves. Helping others has given me a focus, too, and it’s helped me move forward after my diagnosis.”
Two men who stole more than £200,000 of high value farm GPS units jailed
New banking hub officially opened in Morecambe
Lancaster businesswoman nears end of 4000 mile trek for Palestine
Lancaster group championing volunteers receives £400K lottery award
Shrimps Trust recognised for role played during Morecambe FC ownership crisis
New remembrance display for Morecambe train station unveiled
94-year-old Morecambe care home resident attends granddaughter’s wedding thanks to staff support
Storm-damaged Lancaster park cafe to be demolished as talks on replacement continue
Council leader defends plans for "smaller" Eden Project Morecambe
World record attempt and TV documentary among ideas for Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Views sought on proposed Lancaster day centre closure
Praise for Lancaster and Morecambe youngsters who took part in 'tongue movement' project
Clinic where students offer free legal advice to reopen at Lancaster University
Lines reopen after train derailment on Scotland-London line
Police arrest two and seize illegal bike in Morecambe
ITV commissions sixth series of Morecambe crime drama The Bay
E-bike shop moves from Lancaster to new Carnforth showroom
Lancaster workshop to tackle the issue of drink and needle spiking
Morecambe raw feeds shop up for three 'Animal Star' awards
Two new festivals proposed for Morecambe entertainment venue the Platform
