Tag: The House of Hope

Hilariously brave stand-up show raises awareness for The House of Hope

Manogram – a man with breast cancer

Alan Wake, who poignantly tells his personal story of breast cancer in a stand-up comedy show, Manogram – a man with breast cancer, put on an exclusive performance in The Caves, for Edinburgh-based The House of Hope, Scotland’s first bespoke wellbeing centre for people impacted by breast cancer.

Alan’s incredible story is taking the Edinburgh Fringe by storm and explores a man’s experience of mammograms, mastectomies and hormone therapy, in a light hearted one-man show, which celebrates laughter and love through adversity, while raising awareness and funds for breast cancer.

When Alan was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, his wife had already been treated for the disease twice, and having to tell their two boys of a third breast cancer diagnosis in the family was unthinkable and according to Alan; ‘somewhat ridiculous.’

The special show received a standing ovation from the House of Hope community and supporters in the audience, when Alan asked the question; ‘Has anyone here been impacted by breast cancer?’ 

Alan said: “I was blown away by the support shown for the show and the audience unexpectedly taking to their feet was incredible. It was really moving and very powerful to see the whole room unite against breast cancer.”

House of Hope Manager, Hazel McLinden said: “Alan’s show adds a lot of love and light to people going through a breast cancer journey, which is so important. 

“We are thrilled that Alan selected The House of Hope as a charity partner and all donations will go towards improving and enhancing the wellbeing services for people impacted by breast cancer in Scotland and their families.”

Alan continues: “The impact breast cancer had on my wife Julie was totally devastating. While I have lost a breast and have a scar, most people wouldn’t realise I’ve been through breast cancer and that’s just not the same for women, who often lose a part of their identity through treatment and surgery.

“While breast cancer is no laughing matter, I wanted to raise awareness through humour, because that’s what I know best and my show gives a totally different perspective by exploring the weird and often humorous ways men support each other through banter and comradery.”

Manogram – a man with breast cancer – will continue to raise funds for breast cancer charities throughout its run at the Edinburgh Fringe, with shows running until 30th August.

For more information about Alan’s story and the important wellbeing services provided by the House of Hope visit houseofhope.org.uk.

Lisa and House of Hope Heroes go over the edge to raise funds for people impacted by breast cancer

Founder and CEO of Edinburgh-based The House of Hope, Lisa Fleming and her teenage son Cameron, took on the ultimate fundraising challenge with a 100ft abseil down the Port of Leith Distillery, to raise money for The House of Hope, Scotland’s first dedicated support and wellbeing centre for people impacted by breast cancer and their families.

Lisa, who lives with secondary breast cancer, was joined by a team of ten superheroes and supporters from The House of Hope, to go above, beyond and over the edge to collectively raise a massive £8,500.

All funds raised will go directly towards delivering wellbeing and holistic services and support at the House of Hope, based on Gorgie Road, which opened its doors to the local community in June 2025.

A truly remarkable achievement for Lisa, who when she was first diagnosed, discovered that cancer had already spread from the breast to every bone in her body and she has gone through 19 operations including brain and spine surgery.

Lisa said: “I think I’m still in a bit of disbelief. If you’d have told the girl who sat in the Western General oncology unit, with her life in bits almost nine years ago, that she would still be alive, let alone completed a challenge like that I would never have believed you.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their generosity and all of the hard work that went into making the event happen.  For me the hero of the day was my son, Cammy.

“We were up first, together and I will never forget the look of fear in his eyes, but he showed absolute resilience and bravely fought through it and absolutely smashed it! I’m so proud of him and what we’ve achieved together.”

The House of Hope was borne out of Lisa’s vision to create wellbeing and holistic support provision, within her hometown of Edinburgh and she remains dedicated to providing a safe haven for people impacted by breast cancer to access vital services outside of a clinical setting.

The House of Hope celebrates its first anniversary in June 2026 and has delivered support to over 200 people and their families impacted by breast cancer. 

To mark the anniversary, a 1k Your Way challenge has been launched to encourage supporters to do 1k every day for 30 days in June any way they like – whether that’s running, walking, cycling or even rowing, whatever gets it done! – to raise money to support people impacted by breast cancer. 

Bands 4 Hope gig set to raise funds for The House of Hope

Talented local musicians Annie and the Jays, Heads Up, Ben Lauder and Cora Manchester are joining forces for a Bands 4 Hope gig at Cold Town House on 9th May, to raise funds for Edinburgh based The House of Hope, Scotland’s first dedicated support and wellbeing centre for people impacted by breast cancer.

Inspired by their mum Cat MacLean’s breast cancer journey, Annie (31) and George Liddle (27) – from Annie and the Jays – wanted to give back and say thank you to The House of Hope for the incredible support their mum receives and felt a live music gig was a fitting way to do this, given their family’s musical talent.

Annie and George’s dad, Gordon Liddle, was the drummer in chart topping 1970s band Bilbo Baggins and George followed in his footsteps as the drummer in Annie and the Jays, with Annie as the lead singer.

Mum of three, Cat MacLean aged 59, from Edinburgh was diagnosed with primary breast cancer in 2013 and went through chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a lumpectomy. A keen runner, Cat kept up her training all the way through chemo and successfully ran a half marathon that year.

For the next nine years Cat largely forgot that she’d had cancer; however in 2022 she developed a slight niggle in her back, which wasn’t painful but bothered her from time to time. Following a chest X-Ray, Cat was sent for a CT scan which showed a lesion on her lung and after further examination it revealed a large lesion in her vertebral spine and was eventually given a secondary breast cancer diagnosis. 

Cat has spent the last three years undergoing treatment, but is living well and leading a fulfilled life. She can no longer work, but took up jewellery making, choir, and wild swimming, which were absolutely brilliant for her from a mental and physical health perspective.

In 2023 Cat was diagnosed with brain mets and began having regular MRI scans, targeted radiotherapy and then last year she was moved onto oral chemotherapy and is currently managing the challenging side effects of this treatment.

Cat has been using the wellbeing services at The House of Hope since it opened its doors in June 2025, which she describes as ‘a real lifeline and a fantastic space to meet like-minded people and unwind while going through treatment.’

Annie Liddle said: “My mum is a true inspiration and the support she has received from The House of Hope has been fantastic during her treatment, so we wanted to give back and say thank you. 

“Music is in our blood, so it was a natural way for us to help raise funds by collaborating with other local talent to put on a live music gig to help raise funds and awareness and celebrate my mum’s courageous journey.”

The Bands 4 Hope gig takes place on Saturday 9th May at Cold Town House and tickets are available on The House of Hope website, with all proceeds going directly to fund wellbeing services for those impacted by breast cancer.

Visit houseofhope.org.uk for further information.

BBC’s Dr Punam Krishan announced as Patron of Scottish breast cancer charity The House of Hope

Resident doctor on BBC’s Morning Live, Dr Punam Krishan, has been announced as the first official patron of the Scottish breast cancer charity, The House of Hope, Scotland’s first dedicated wellbeing and support centre for those impacted by breast cancer.

Dr Punam, who dazzled on Strictly Come Dancing last year, made a special visit to Edinburgh on Thursday 2 October to help officially open The House of Hope during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Glasgow-based GP made a name for herself presenting Laid Bare for BBC Scotland, as well as making regular appearances on BBC’s Morning Live and BBC Radio Scotland. 

The charity was founded by Lisa Fleming – who was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017 and given just six months to live at that time – along with husband Euan. The House of Hope will provide a supportive space for people impacted by breast cancer, as well as access to holistic therapies and wellbeing services away from the sterile hospital or clinical setting to compliment medical treatments.


Founder of The House of Hope, Lisa Fleming, said: “It is incredible to have Dr Punam on board – her advocacy for women’s health and patient-first approach to healthcare is exactly what The House of Hope is all about and we can’t wait to officially launch in October with Dr Punam as our patron.

“The NHS does not have the operational resources or funding to provide additional holistic care and support for breast cancer patients in and around Edinburgh. The House of Hope will help to fill this void, providing the much-needed community space and compassionate support we know is so vital for patients and their families.” 

In her role as patron for The House of Hope, Dr Punam will support the charity through the provision of online advice and attending nominated fundraising events aligning with her own dedication to raising awareness of women’s health concerns through her work with the BBC and her own social channels. 

Dr Punam, Patron of The House of Hope, said: “Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is a difficult experience, so having a dedicated place like The House of Hope to come to is such a great resource and an important step in the healing process. I’m proud to be appointed a Patron of such a life-changing charity.”

Dr Punam is also a published author, with her third children’s book released earlier this year (August 2025). The Superhero’s First Aid Manual is a fun and colourful book packed with life-saving knowledge for children, who are often the first people at an emergency. 

The House of Hope charity was inspired by London’s first-ever specialised breast cancer centre, Future Dreams House, which offers support through a range of services for women affected by breast cancer, including counselling, yoga, massage, nutrition advice, and peer support groups.

https://houseofhope.org.uk