secondary breast cancer – The NEN

Make 2nds Count announces Monumental Milestone

The innovative service celebrates a pivotal achievement in advancing patient access to clinical trials

Make 2nds Count, a pioneering charity dedicated to raising awareness and funding research for secondary breast cancer, is proud to announce that – championed by a generous grant from Breast Cancer charity Walk the Walk – their Patient Trials Advocate (PTA) service has so far supported 500 secondary breast cancer patients across the UK, marking a significant milestone and pivotal achievement in advancing patient access to clinical trials.

In a noteworthy collaboration, the Walk the Walk charity – organiser of the iconic MoonWalk London and MoonWalk Scotland fundraising events – has donated £79,434 to the PTA service, which was originally launched in 2021. These funds will be used to finance the full initiative for the next 9 months to a year, demonstrating the collective effort to make a meaningful impact in the lives of secondary breast cancer patients.

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk said: “I am really delighted to share the news of the recent grant which Walk the Walk has awarded to Make 2nds Count.

“This funding will specifically contribute towards the charity’s ground-breaking Patient Trials Advocate Service. This much-needed service is designed to bring together women with breast cancer, who might not otherwise have had access to clinical trials, and for many of whom this is the last resort of treatment.

“By collaborating, charities can make such a huge difference to so many people, and we are incredibly proud to be supporting Make 2nds Count and what they achieve in raising awareness and funding research for secondary breast cancer.

“Whilst Walk the Walk supports its own campaigns, grants like this one are very exciting and wonderful to share with Walk the Walk’s fundraisers – I cannot thank these generous and wonderful people enough!”

Make 2nds Count’s PTA service is the first of its kind in the UK, offering fresh hope to patients by connecting them with clinical trials that have the potential to improve outcomes and extend life.

Since its pilot launch in 2021, the PTA service has provided support to over 500 patients, with a remarkable 100% endorsement from those who have experienced the initiative. Furthermore, 95% of patients expressed their willingness to engage in discussions with their clinicians about the possibility of accessing clinical trials.

Patient Trial Advocate, Senior Research Nurse Vivienne Wilson, expressed her enthusiasm for the service, stating, “I’ve been working with Make 2nds Count for over two years now, and I think this service really is one of a kind.

“I enjoy the opportunity to talk to many secondary breast cancer patients, sharing my knowledge with regards to available trials and guiding them to explore their options.”

One such patient is Margaret Irvine, who was diagnosed 8 years ago with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer after an original diagnosis of primary breast cancer 9 years before that.

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Margaret – who is a trained District Nurse and has worked in the community throughout her career -says: “The worst part of being diagnosed was telling my close family – any negative changes are always hard to deal with.

“Finding information is never easy as most of it is very negative or outdated when beginning to research, but I tried my best and the unit I originally attended for treatment was very supportive. As my treatment progressed, I became aware of Make 2nds Count and I started talking to people about the PTA Service.

“Access to the service has given me new hope and support, as well as a new way of opening discussions with my treatment team and allowing myself and others as patients to have more control of the journey we are on. This is the main reason I decided to share my experience with others too.”

Secondary breast cancer, also known as metastatic, advanced, or stage IV breast cancer, claims the lives of 1000 women in the UK each month and is currently affecting 61,000 people, yet it remains a relatively unknown and underrepresented area of research.

The PTA service, which covers the UK with dedicated nurses based in Edinburgh, the Borders, and the Highlands, provides patients with personalised support and information. Patients undergo an initial one-to-one, hour-long phone consultation with specialist nurses who offer guidance on clinical trials, address queries, and assist in searching for suitable trials.

The ultimate goal is to empower patients to discuss clinical trials as a viable part of their treatment pathway.

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk adds: “We could not do any of the special work we do without everyone’s help, so sign up now at www.walkthewalk.org for The MoonWalk London on Saturday 18 May and join this incredible fun-filled ‘Fiesta’ of a night.

“A night which brings people together all putting one foot in front of another to reach their own personal goal of walking a Half or Full Marathon through the night, whilst helping others. Come and see for yourself, it really is breath-taking!”

Make 2nds Count is dedicated to continuing its mission, ensuring that every patient with secondary breast cancer has the knowledge and opportunity to explore clinical trials as an integral part of their treatment journey.

If you are a secondary breast cancer patient who may be interested in clinical trials and the PTA service, please visit our website:

– https://make2ndscount.co.uk/support/pta

Karen Henderson Legacy Fund for Make 2nds Count: £66,900 raised over just two years of support

Make 2nds Count, a pioneering charity focusing on secondary breast cancer is thrilled to announce that The Karen Henderson Legacy Fund has surpassed a monumental fundraising milestone on their behalf, accumulating an impressive total of £66,900 over the course of two years.

The fund was established by Make 2nds Count and Karen’s family in honour of Karen Henderson, who tragically passed away from Secondary Breast Cancer. This incredible fundraising endeavour not only commemorates Karen’s legacy but also serves as a beacon of hope for Secondary Breast Cancer patients across the UK.

Alistair Henderson, Karen’s husband expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is fantastic to think that through The Karen Henderson Legacy Fund, Karen continues to inspire so many people to help make life just that little bit better and happier for Secondary Breast Cancer patients across the UK.

“Karen was a great fundraiser for Make 2nds Count, and we are sure she would be delighted that her great fundraising work continues on in this way. Particularly when we see the lovely feedback from the recipients of our funded initiatives.”

The funds were raised through various activities organised by the Karen Henderson Legacy Fund itself or by friends and supporters, including multiple groups taking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, fashion shows at Restoration Yard in Dalkeith Country Park featuring luxury raffles, a successful ladies’ night event at the Sun Inn in Dalkeith, marathon and half marathons ran, charity sales, concerts and notably, the 500 miles challenge, all of which contributed significantly to this achievement.

This money has played a pivotal role in funding vital support services provided by Make 2nds Count, such as the Tea and a Chat program in Edinburgh, Birdsong yoga, and providing meaningful gifts for retreats aimed at supporting patients.

Alistair Henderson continued: “To reach and exceed the £60,000 figure in funds raised in just over 2 years is a fantastic achievement and very much adds to Karen’s lasting legacy.

“Karen’s Legacy Fund greatly appreciates the efforts of everyone who has contributed to making this happen, and we very much hope that we can continue the good work of Karen’s Legacy Fund as we move into 2024. Thank You.”

Make 2nds Count extends its heartfelt gratitude to The Karen Henderson Legacy Fund and all contributors for their unwavering support in making a profound difference in the lives of those affected by Secondary Breast Cancer.

For more information about Make 2nds Count and The Karen Henderson Legacy Fund, please visit https://make2ndscount.co.uk/get-involved/khlf/

Deck the Halls of Hope with “Make Christmas Count” campaign

Festive campaign run by Make 2nds Count aims to raise £15,000 for Transformative Retreats to support Patients with Secondary Breast Cancer

Make 2nds Count, a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals living with secondary breast cancer, has today announced the launch of its annual Christmas campaign, “Make Christmas Count” which aims to raise £15,000 for transformative retreats.

The heart-warming initiative invites individuals to join hands in adorning the Tree of Hope with special baubles, symbolising support and solidarity for families and patients facing the challenges of secondary breast cancer.

Every year, Make 2nds Count strives to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals battling secondary breast cancer. This year, the organisation is introducing a new initiative to extend its support, with the sale of specially designed Christmas baubles. All proceeds from these sales will directly contribute towards funding the organisation’s dedicated retreats for patients in 2024.

Make 2nds Count Retreats serve as invaluable sanctuaries for members of the community affected by secondary breast cancer. They offer a respite from the demanding routine of constant treatment, providing a nurturing environment for relaxation and emotional rejuvenation.

In 2023, Make 2nds Count was able to host Retreats for 106 guests in various locations across the UK. The goal for 2024 is to increase this offering, enabling even more individuals to benefit from these transformative experiences.

Recent feedback from the Castle Bromwich retreat, held in September 2023, highlights the importance of these Retreats:

“The Castle Bromwich retreat has been such a wonderful relaxing experience. We’ve met so many women just like us, at all stages of the ‘living with’ journey. We feel lifted and listened to, encouraged and most of all relaxed and happy.

“We’ve had led sessions and time to get to know each other. We are all leaving with a new family and friendships to support us.”

“This has been a wonderful time to relax and take time out. The care and cosseting we have had will not be forgotten and will keep me going for a long time. Thank you so much.”

Make 2nds Count is also proud to collaborate with Spark, a charitable organisation dedicated to combating social isolation within communities to create bespoke baubles.

These Christmas decorations will be crafted by the skilled hands at Spark, further illustrating the power of community-driven initiatives.

For more information on Make 2nds Count and their work, please visit:

www.make2ndscount.co.uk

Dalkeith Country Park invites visitors to Make 2nds Count

Dalkeith Country Park raises funds for Edinburgh-based charity

Secondary breast cancer charity Make 2nds Count is set for a bumper Breast Cancer Awareness Month boost courtesy of the stunning Dalkeith Country Park.

The Edinburgh-based charity, which supports patients with secondary breast cancer, is Dalkeith Country Park’s chosen charity partner for 2023. They continue to benefit from a range of fundraising initiatives through The Park’s activities and the generosity of their visitors.

October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, provides the latest chance to support the work of Make 2nds Count, which raises awareness of, and funds research into, the little-known form of incurable cancer which claims 1,000 lives each month in the UK and is currently affecting 61,000 people.

On Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day (October 13), the iconic Orangerie at Dalkeith Country Park will also be lit up purple as part of the Make 2nds Count Shine a Light campaign, joining over 50 other UK venues that will be lighting up in the charity’s colours on this day.

The Parks’ popular Yellow Trail is turning Purple this October with special prompts designed to shine a light on the incredible work and support provided by Make 2nds Count – giving hope to those affected by secondary breast cancer.

The Yellow Trail Info:

Also known as The Wilderness Walk, the Yellow Trail is a relatively flat 2km route with a surface suitable for bikes and buggies. A series of easy loops that take in impressive views of St Mary’s Church and Dalkeith Palace, as well as a little wonder along River Esk. Approximately 20 minutes in length, the path takes visitors through the Restoration Yard where they can also pick up a range of refreshments.

Walkers will be encouraged to capture and share their time on the Make 2nds Count Trail on social media, to be in with a chance of winning a wellness hamper from Restoration Yard, The Park’s converted 18th-century stable yard.

Catriona Tanner, Marketing Manager for Dalkeith Country Park: “Make 2nds Count was chosen as our charity partner in recognition of the connection between Dalkeith Country Park and Karen Henderson, who was a dearly loved visitor.

“The tireless work that the charity does to support patients and families living with secondary breast cancer is outstanding, and we have been thrilled to be part of their efforts, particularly during this key moment of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

Emma Hall, Head of Operations for Make 2nds Count: “We rely heavily on fundraising and donations to help our community and we are thrilled that Dalkeith Country Park is supporting us.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time when we particularly focus on raising awareness and on education, so the fact that The Park is working with us to fulfil this mission as well as via fundraising is amazing. We are really grateful for their continued support.”

For more information on Make 2nds Count and their work, please visit:

https://make2ndscount.co.uk

To see more of their Shine a Light Campaign, please visit:

https://bcam.make2ndscount.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh support initiative for secondary breast cancer patients

Monthly gathering to share experiences and advice

People in Edinburgh living with secondary breast cancer now have a crucial additional support resource.

Charity Make 2nds Count, which is based in the Scottish capital, has launched a monthly meeting where patients can gather to share experiences and advice and widen their vital friendship network.

The Tea & A Chat initiative is a joint venture with the Karen Henderson Legacy Fund which raises money in memory of the 48-year-old Edinburgh mum, a pioneering Make 2nds Count patient champion, who died two years ago.

Meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of every month, between 11 am and 1 pm, at Morningside Parish Church.

Secondary breast cancer claims 1,000 lives each month in the UK – that’s an average of 31 deaths every day. Make 2nds Count is dedicated to raising awareness of this little-known form of the disease, also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, which has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body.

Although it can be treated it is incurable and currently affects around 35,000 people in the UK.

Emma Hall, Head of Operations for Make 2nds Count says it is so important that patients can share their experiences: “A diagnosis can take people to a very lonely place but being able to meet with others who truly understand the situation can be hugely beneficial.

“Friendships forged in these circumstances are uniquely valuable and we know this initiative, simple though the premise is, can make a real difference.”

Karen’s husband, Alistair Henderson says he’s delighted to be supporting the launch of the first Tea & A Chat in Edinburgh with Make 2nds Count.

“What Karen benefited from through the charity was the community and the sense of family that Make 2nds Count brought, so this event is a great opportunity for people in a similar position, to get together and support one another”, he said. “Karen would have been so pleased to be supporting this great initiative.”

To find out more about Tea & A Chat Edinburgh and to register to attend, visit: https://www.make2ndscount.co.uk/support/tea-and-a-chat-all/tea-and-a-chat-edinburgh/

Festive campaign brings joy and hope to secondary breast cancer patients

Secondary breast cancer charity Make 2nds Count is unwrapping a bumper festive bundle of activities to get its Christmas campaign off to a sparkling start.

Sadly, while others enjoy the season of goodwill, it can be a very lonely time for patients, individuals and families coping with the impacts of secondary breast cancer. A recent YouGov poll revealed that 60% of those impacted by a diagnosis find the festive period especially difficult and isolating.

But the charity is bringing the Christmas spirit to patients and their loved ones with a package of initiatives to show support for people living with this incurable form of the disease which claims the lives of 1,000 women a month in the UK.

Make 2nds Count aims to raise £15,000 through the sale of Tree of Hope baubles, plus further funds from specially commissioned Christmas cards and charity partnerships with Dalkeith Country Park’s festive Spectacle of Light and McLarens on the Corner in Edinburgh.

The Make 2nds Count Tree of Hope initiative gives people the chance to donate by buying a Christmas bauble which is not only a beautiful decoration for the tree but a poignant tribute to a current patient or lost loved one.

Supporters donating to the Tree of Hope pay £25 for a bauble, featuring the name of the person they are honouring, in return for a virtual bauble with a personalised message on the Make 2nds Count website and delivery of their personalised bauble keepsake in January.

There are also standard Make 2nds Count baubles available for £15 that the charity hopes to see in homes across the UK this year, the third year of the Tree of Hope initiative.

Dalkeith Country Park will showcase its own Tree of Hope as part of its Spectacle of Light event where visitors can add a ribbon to commemorate a loved one, and all donations will come to the charity. They are also providing collection tins for any spare change, at till points in its Fort Douglas and Restoration Yard’s store and eateries, and signage around the park with a QR code.

The limited-edition Christmas cards, designed by Make 2nds Count supporter Nikki Hughes, are available through the charity in packs of eight for a minimum donation of £6. In addition, there is the opportunity to donate online for a virtual card.

McLarens are once again supporting Make 2nds Count this Christmas by hosting a Tree of Hope and by adding a £1 discretionary charge on every Christmas booking and they will match the total at the end of the festive season.

Emma Hall, Head of Operations for Make 2nds Count says: “Christmas is a magical time but we know that it can be quite a challenging period for secondary breast cancer patients and their families.

“However, the fantastic response we always get from the public to our festive campaign gives us all a real boost. We’re confident this year people will be as generous as they can afford to be and every donation, no matter how modest, helps tremendously as we support people not only at Christmas but throughout the year.”

Make 2nds Count supports secondary breast cancer patients and their families and campaigns to raise awareness of, and fund research into the disease – also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer – a form of cancer which has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. On average there are around 35,000 patients in the UK currently living with this form of cancer.

To find out more about how to support the charity’s Christmas campaign visit:

https://www.make2ndscount.co.uk/get-involved/christmas/

Secondary breast cancer advocacy initiative goes nationwide

Charity brings new hope to patients with incurable cancer

A pioneering Scottish initiative to help secondary breast cancer patients is being rolled out UK-wide.

The Patient Trials Advocate service (PTA) introduces people with the incurable disease to clinical trials which can help to improve outcomes and extend life.

Since it began north of the border last year it has received a 100% approval rating and brought fresh hope to patients living with this largely unknown type of breast cancer which kills 1000 women in the UK each month.

The initiative was developed by charity Make 2nds Count which campaigns to raise awareness of, and fund research into, secondary breast cancer – also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer – a form of the disease which has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. On average there are around 35,000 patients in the UK currently living with this form of cancer.

But there is evidence that early access to innovative new treatment options can improve the outcomes of men and women with secondary breast cancer and the bespoke service sees specialist nurses support patients and link them up with clinical trials.

The PTA scheme, which was the first of its kind in the UK, initially covered Scotland through nurses based in Edinburgh, the Borders and the Highlands. Now the team is extending the service across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Patients have an initial one-to-one, hour-long phone consultation with one of the nurses who advises about clinical trials and answers any queries, searches for suitable trials and supports patients in discussing them with their clinician.

“Many secondary breast cancer patients have never had a conversation with their clinician about clinical trials and we want to empower them to change that,” says PTA nurse Vivienne Wilson, a senior research nurse at Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital.

“Sourcing the right information about available trials and understanding the association complex information can be very difficult. But we aim to make every patient with secondary breast cancer aware of them and give them the knowledge and the potential to participate in trials as part of their treatment pathway.

“The Patient Trials Advocate service has been so well received that it’s a natural progression to make it available beyond Scotland and we’re delighted to be able to help people across the rest of the UK. This service really is one-of-a-kind and sharing our knowledge and guiding patients to help them explore their options is a real privilege.”

Since the service piloted last year almost 150 patients have been supported and 100% backed the initiative, with 95% saying they would talk to their clinician about the possibility of accessing clinical trials.

One of those who knows the value of a clinical trial is Edinburgh mum-of-four Lesley Stephen. Diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer out of the blue in 2014, the disease had already spread to her lungs, liver and bones.

Two years later she was told she had run out of treatment options. But she subsequently got the chance to take part in a clinical trial and is still living with the disease more than six years later.

Lesley says: “I had undergone 18 months of treatment, which was unsuccessful, when I heard of a friend who was taking part in a clinical trial. That inspired me and gave me hope that there just might be another option.

“I researched potential trials myself, which was not easy, and I realised that there was a lack of awareness. But because of the trial I took part in, I have had another six years of life I never expected to have. This just shows why the patient advocacy service is so important. People need to know that there, perhaps, is another possibility out there for them.”

To find out more about the Patient Trials Advocate service visit:

https://www.make2ndscount.co.uk/funding-research/patient-trials-advocate/

Make 2nds Count: Shining a Light on Secondary Breast Cancer

Ten Scottish Landmarks joined Make 2nds Count ‘Shine A Light’ campaign
22 venues joined the campaign, designed to highlight the lack of awareness and support available for the incurable cancer
Three in ten UK adults who are either diagnosed or know a friend or family member with secondary breast cancer felt that research and support were insufficient and not readily available for patients or loved ones

Make 2nds Count has confirmed that 22 landmarks from across the UK joined the newly launched ‘Shine a Light on Secondaries’ campaign, which has been coordinated to highlight the lack of awareness and support available across the UK for patients and their loved ones living with the incurable cancer.

On Thursday night, 13^th October 2022, venues including Camera Obscura, The Balmoral, Caird Hall and Blackpool Tower shone brightly in the charity’s colours – pink, purple and teal – as part of the national campaign designed to “Shine a Light” on Secondary Breast Cancer Day, which is often overlooked amidst the wider narrative around Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October).

The participating Scottish venues were:

Camera Obscura	Edinburgh
St Andrews House	Edinburgh
Queen Elizabeth Hospital	Glasgow
Perth Bridge	Perth
St Pauls Square	Perth
Dalkeith Country Park	Dalkeith
Caird Hall	Dundee
The Balmoral	Edinburgh
Marischal College	Aberdeen
His Majesty’s Theatre	Aberdeen

A YouGov survey commissioned this year by Make 2nds Count revealed that 29% of UK adults who are either diagnosed or know a friend or family member with secondary breast cancer felt that research and support were insufficient and not readily available for patients or loved ones.

It also confirmed that only 23% of these UK respondents asked would look to the mainstream media as a source of information and support when dealing with secondary breast cancer, whilst a staggering 59% refer to charities offering one-to-one advice and personal experience.

Heather Moffitt, a trustee of Make 2nds Count who is living with Stage 4 (metastatic) breast cancer, comments, “We desperately need people to be aware of this forgotten form of breast cancer. We need to change the narrative and raise so much more awareness around the signs and symptoms of this disease.

“Secondary breast cancer is incurable and without further research and education, this disease will continue to destroy the lives of so many. That’s why we’ve joined forces with venues across the UK to mark a moment and Shine a Light on this disease and the important work that needs to be done.”

The disease, also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, is a cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body and is incurable. On average there are around 35,000 patients in the UK currently living with this form of the disease.

Make 2nds Count is a patient and family-focused charity dedicated to giving hope to women and men living with secondary breast cancer. 

Their mission is to fund secondary breast cancer research that contributes to advancing an increased quality of life for patients; establish a community that supports and educates patients and families affected by secondary breast cancer; inform and facilitate access to patient trials and to increase overall awareness of secondary breast cancer.  

For more information or support visit www.make2ndscount.co.uk/

Edinburgh leads the way with breast cancer trials advocacy service

Bringing new hope to patients with the help of specialised nurses

Scotland is leading the way with an innovative service for secondary breast cancer patients.

The Patient Trials Advocate service, (PTA) is the first of its kind in the UK, and it’s bringing fresh hope to those with the incurable cancer by introducing them to clinical trials which can help to improve outcomes and extend life.

The initiative has been developed by charity Make 2nds Count which campaigns to raise awareness of, and fund research into, secondary breast cancer – a form of the disease which kills 1000 women in the UK each month but remains largely unknown.

Also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, it is a cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body and can be treated but not cured. On average there are around 35,000 patients in the UK currently living with this form of the disease.

There is evidence that early access to innovative new treatment options can improve the outcomes of men and women with secondary breast cancer and the new, bespoke service, the first of its kind in the UK, sees specialist nurses support patients and link them up with clinical trials.

The PTA scheme covers Scotland in its entirety through nurses based in Edinburgh, the Borders and the Highlands. Patients have an initial one-to-one, hour-long phone consultation with one of the nurses who can advise about clinical trials and answer any queries, search for suitable trials and support patients in discussing them with their clinician.

“We know that many secondary breast cancer patients have never had a conversation with their clinician about clinical trials and we want to empower them to change that through our PTA service,” says PTA nurse Vivienne Wilson, a senior research nurse at Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital.

“We want to ensure that every patient with secondary breast cancer has the knowledge and the opportunity to discuss trials as part of their treatment pathway.

“I’m delighted that the Patient Trials Advocate service is now being expanded to include the whole of Scotland. I’ve been working with Make 2nds Count for over a year now and I think this service really is one of a kind. I enjoy the opportunity to talk to many secondary breast cancer patients, sharing my knowledge with regards to available trials and guiding them to explore their options.”

Since the service piloted last year more than 100 patients have been supported. Of those, 100% backed the initiative and 95% said they would talk to their clinician about the possibility of accessing clinical trials.

One of those who knows only too well the benefits of a clinical trial is Edinburgh mum-of-four Lesley Stephen. Diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer out of the blue in 2014, the disease had already spread to her lungs, liver and bones.

Two years later she was told she had run out of treatment options. But she subsequently got the chance to take part in a clinical trial and is still living with the disease six years later.

“I researched potential trials myself, which was not easy, and I realised that there was a lack of awareness. But because of the trial I took part in, I have had another six years of life I never expected to have. This just shows why the patient advocacy service is so important. People need to know that there perhaps, is another possibility out there for them.”

Make 2nds Count was founded by mum Lisa Fleming, 38, of Edinburgh, who had no previous breast cancer diagnosis, warning signs or lump when she was told she had secondary breast cancer.

Her aim is to support patients and families, educate and raise funds for research into the disease. So far the charity has raised more than £1million.

To find out more about the Patient Trials Advocate service visit:

https://www.make2ndscount.co.uk/funding-research/patient-trials-advocate/

Edinburgh Secondary Breast Cancer Charity Ball Raises Over £90,000

Vital research to benefit from Make 2nds Count fundraiser

Revellers at a glamorous Great Gatsby Ball have raised more than £90,000 to support vital research into a forgotten form of breast cancer.

The gala event, at Edinburgh’s Prestonfield House, was organised by leading UK charity Make 2nds Count which campaigns to raise funds and awareness of secondary breast cancer which kills 1000 woman a month.

The charity, which helps to finance various crucial research projects, also supports patients and families and educates and informs about the little-known disease.

The ball, on March 25, was hosted by STV’s Laura Boyd and brought the Scottish business community together for an evening of fine dining, live entertainment and auction prizes.

The live and online auctions, which included prizes of a three-night city break to Lisbon and an Icelandic Northern Lights adventure for two people, raised a combined £31,664, while ‘Crack the Code’ – where participants were invited to guess the winning combination to win a stunning diamond necklace donated by Rox Edinburgh and the Grimes family – and ‘The Gift Tree’ boosted the cause by another £8,010.

Two incredibly generous anonymous donations of £10,000 each and ticket sales of over £30,000 pushed numbers towards the final sum of £90,274, to the delight of organisers and the sponsors – headline sponsor Copart UK Ltd and table sponsors Bruce Tait Associates, Saltire Roofing, Erskine Financial, David Rankin, Lamborghini Edinburgh and Sutherland Independent.

Make 2nds Count founder Lisa Fleming of Edinburgh said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the fantastic result we’ve achieved. Every penny raised will be invaluable to boost much-needed research into the disease and offer support to more and more patients and families.

“We not only had an incredible evening, but we come away from the experience with the knowledge that we can and we will continue to raise awareness and that the work we do can make a real difference to people’s lives across the UK.”

The little-known, incurable cancer – also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer – is a cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. On average there are around 35,000 patients in the UK currently living with this form of the disease.

Lisa set up Make 2nds Count after being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. She had no primary diagnosis, warning signs or lump when she was told the disease had already spread to the majority of her bones. It swiftly spread to her brain and she is living with a life sentence.

For more information about Make 2nds Count and the work they do, please visit:

https://www.make2ndscount.co.uk