This Saturday, November 23, Manchester Piccadilly Gardens will welcome the BooBee Bus as part of a vital awareness campaign in support of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer charity Make 2nds Count.
The BooBee’s Big Campaign aims to make Manchester the most “breast cancer-aware” city in the UK and raise awareness of primary and secondary breast cancer, with the BooBee Bus as part of the 2024 campaign, led by Margo Cornish.
The Boobee campaign this year is supporting two charities: Make 2nds Count and Prevent Breast Cancer, who have been on tour with the bus this past week.
An estimated 61,000 men and women in the UK are living with incurable secondary breast cancer, – with an estimated 1,000 lives lost each month – and symptoms can vary from person to person. It has a devastating impact on people affected and their families, yet many of the general public have never heard of it.
The BooBee Bus will be located at the Wellington Statue, Piccadilly Gardens, Stop R, Portland St, Manchester M1, and the charity will be at hand to offer information, answer questions, and raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of secondary breast cancer.
In attendance on the day, Patient Trials Advocate Nurse for Make 2nds Count, Melanie Tolson, will be there to discuss the role of the PTA service – a first-of-its-kind initiative that helps patients navigate the complexities of clinical trials – in the treatment of secondary breast cancer.
The charity’s PTA service has already supported 734 patients since its pilot launch in 2021, with Melanie and fellow PTA nurses at the forefront, offering fresh hope to patients by connecting them with clinical trials that have the potential to improve outcomes and extend life.
Melanie Tolson says: “I’m excited to be heading to Manchester to engage with the community about the important role clinical trials play in the treatment of secondary breast cancer.
“Clinical trials can often feel complex and daunting, so being aboard the BooBee Bus gives me a wonderful opportunity to speak with people in an informal setting and offer clear, accessible information. I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and providing support in any way I can.”
Sam Morris, whose journey with SBC has touched many lives, will also be at the event to share her personal experience. Sam, who was diagnosed with primary breast cancer in 2007, has been living with the disease since her secondary breast cancer diagnosis in 2011 following a routine checkup to assess the cause of pain in her shoulder. Sam is passionate about raising awareness.
Sam highlights the importance of events like the BooBee Bus in fostering open conversations about secondary breast cancer: “I’m excited to be part of this event in Manchester, where we can talk openly about secondary breast cancer and the importance of early detection. No one should have to face this disease alone, and I want people to know that there’s always support available. Together, we can raise awareness and ensure that everyone is informed about the resources and opportunities available to them.”
The BooBee Bus event is part of the BooBee Big Campaign 2024, a regional initiative dedicated to raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of both primary and secondary breast cancer, provide support for those living with both types of the disease, promote positive health and wellbeing, and raise vital funds to support both Prevent Breast Cancer and Make 2nds Count’s vital work.
Sam Dixon, CEO of Make 2nds Count, continues: “We are thrilled to be part of the campaign and to join the BooBee Bus tour in Manchester. Events like this are essential in raising awareness about secondary breast cancer and connecting those affected and their families with the support and resources they need. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who comes along to learn, share, and support this important cause.”
Make 2nds Count remains committed to providing ongoing education, resources, and funding to improve the lives of those living with secondary breast cancer. The charity’s services, including the Patient Trials Advocate service, are integral in ensuring patients have access to the best possible care and treatment options.
