Breast cancer survivor and fundraiser Bobbie says ‘check your boobs’

A NURSE who battled breast cancer will be setting up camp today in Rotherham Hospital to encourage other women to attend screening appointments.
Bobbie Evers (left) and Denise EversBobbie Evers (left) and Denise Evers
Bobbie Evers (left) and Denise Evers

To coincide with this month’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bobbie Evers will be hosting a Big Pink fundraising event in the reception area from 9.30am to 2.30pm. 

Bobbie (50) hopes to raise awareness about the importance of attending breast cancer screening appointments as well as raising money to fund equipment and resources for the Breast Cancer Service at Rotherham Hospital

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She said: “Despite everything I’ve been through, I was so well supported by everyone from the Breast Cancer Service at Rotherham Hospital. I wanted to be able to give something back to the service and to hopefully help raise awareness about breast cancer too. I shall be telling everyone that ‘Bobbie says to check your boobs!”

Despite feeling fit and healthy, Rotherham Hospital doctors detected the first signs of breast cancer in Bobbie’s left breast in June last year following a routine breast screening appointment. 

Bobbie, a theatre nurse at the hospital, was invited back for a follow-up appointment where an ultrasound and a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. She underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery a month later followed by a further hospital stay to treat an infection. 

Now Bobbie is feeling well, she hopes her experience will inspire other women dealing with a cancer diagnosis and encourage women to accept routine screening appointments, which can help clinicians detect the signs of cancer earlier. 

Last year, Bobbie’s first fundraiser brought in £2,467.

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“If more women take up their screening appointments, then sharing my experience will definitely be worth it,” she added.

Bobbie’s fundraiser will include a raffle, tombola and competitions. There will be gifts and cakes for sale. Breast cancer nurses will also be available to answer any questions about screening, the signs and symptoms of the cancer and how it is treated. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a worldwide annual campaign involving thousands of organisations to highlight the importance of breast awareness, education and research. Fundraisers are also encouraged to 'wear it pink' to raise awareness.

More than 50,000 women and 350 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and around 1,000 women die from breast cancer every month. However, more women than ever are surviving, thanks to better awareness, screening and treatments.

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Barry Mellor, chairman of the charitable funds committee, added: “We’re really proud to welcome Bobbie back for further fundraising for breast cancer services again this year. 

“Despite what she’s been through, Bobbie continues to support others by raising awareness about the importance of attending breast cancer screening appointments and by showcasing how to spot the signs of the disease, which is truly admirable.”

For more information about the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity contact Suzanne Rutter on 01709 426821 or via [email protected]

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