Shine Bright Foundation win a Butterfly Breast Cancer Award!
We’re very proud to announce that our Charity, that was created in memory of our lovely inspirational Sarah Bennett, won an award at the Butterfly Breast Cancer awards 2024. This was the coveted ‘Charity Impact Award’ which is sponsored by ‘Phenomenal Women’. The inspiration for the Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards came during Sarah Pickles’ own breast cancer journey. It was nine years after her diagnosis, in September 2023, that Sarah was able to realise her dream of hosting the inaugural event at Vale Royal Abbey in Cheshire. Sarah’s vision was to create a spectacular night of celebration to recognise the many inspirational women affected by breast cancer and the people who work to support them.
The ceromony was attended by SB trustees, Dennis and Anne-Marie who are Sarah’s father and sister. We also received a live butterfly to release in Sarah’s memory. Thank you so much to everybody that has helped us on our journey to help support people with this awful disease. So far we have donated over £150,000 mainly to Christie’s Hospital for Triple Negative Breast Cancer Research. We couldn’t have done this without supporters. xx
The Shine Bright Foundation supported BCAN-RAY study identifies women at increased risk.
Anna Housley took part in the BCAN-RAY study and was identifed as having an increased risk of having cancer. The groundbreaking cancer research project launched in memory of the late Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding, is already successfully identifying young women at increased risk of breast cancer after just one year of opening. It is one of the first research studies in the world to identify new ways to predict the risk of younger women getting breast cancer. 39-year-old physiotherapist and mother of 2, Anna Housley from Hale, in South Manchester is one of the women who took part in the study in 2023. “Nobody wants to be told they are at increased risk of developing cancer, so it was a bit of a shock. But I was also very thankful that I had been identified because if I hadn’t been part of this study, I would have never known.”
Led by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, the study has been made possible by funding from The Christie Charity Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, Cancer Research UK and the Shine Bright Foundation, with support from Sarah’s family, friends and Girls Aloud bandmates Cheryl Tweedy, Kimberley Walsh, Nadine Coyle and Nicola Robert. .
Please read all about her experience and the BCAN-RAY findings here.
Shine Bright Foundation has once again shown our unwavering commitment to supporting breast cancer research with our recent donation of £40,000 to the Breast CANcer Risk Assessment in Young women (BCAN-RAY) study led by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) as part of a collaboration with The Christie Hospital and The University of Manchester. This generous contribution will play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of breast cancer risk factors in young women and ultimately, help save lives.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and is unfortunately, the biggest killer of any condition in young women aged 30-50 years. The BCAN-RAY study aims to shed light on the risk factors, such as breast density, genetics and lifestyle, that contributes to early onset breast cancer in women under the age of 40. By identifying these risk factors, we can develop more effective prevention and screening strategies, as well as provide better support and care for young women diagnosed with breast cancer.
The study, which began in 2019 has already made significant progress thanks to the organisations like SHINE BRIGHT FOUNDATION. With our previous donation of £50,000, the study has been able to collect crucial data through questionnaires, saliva (spit) to assess your genes and a low dose breast X-ray. (mammogram). This new contribution will allow the study to expand its reach and gather even more data, bringing us one step closer to understanding and preventing breast cancer in young women.
The CHRISTIE NHS Foundation in Manchester, a renowned cancer centre, is involved in funding the BCAN-RAY study, and their expertise and dedication are instrumental in its success. With our latest donation, SHINE BRIGHT FOUNDATION has once again demonstrated our strong partnership with The CHRISTIE and their commitment to making a significant impact in the fight against breast cancer. Our donation will not only support the study itself, but also the talented researchers and professionals working tirelessly to find a cure for this devastating disease.
In addition to our financial support, SHINE BRIGHT FOUNDATION also raises awareness and promotes breast cancer prevention through initiatives and events. We have been a strong advocate for early detection and have supported numerous people dealing with breast cancer through holistic treatments and offering giftbags. Our dedication to the cause has touched the lives of countless women and families affected with breast cancer, and our impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
SHINE BRIGHT FOUNDATIONS continued support of the BCAN-RAY study at MFT and The CHRISTIE Hospital is a testament to our unwavering dedication to the fight against breast cancer. Our donation of £40.000 will have a significant impact on the study’s progress and will bring us closer to understanding and preventing breast cancer in young women. We are also grateful for all the effort and the support we are shown as a charity from our fund raisers, and look forward to the many breakthroughs this study will bring in the future.
Help ‘Building Resilience in Breast Cancer’s’ research make a difference.
If you are a woman who has finished active treatment for breast cancer (no matter how long ago) or are living with metastatic breast cancer, please consider helping BRiC with this online study. See the graphic. below). YOU NEED A LAPTOP or PC to complete the study.
Please email bricresearch@reading.ac.uk for the study link and they will get back to you. Thank you very much for your help.
Know Your Lemons!
Breast cancer really doesn’t discriminate about age. We have people from their early 20’s coming through Shine Bright. Early detection is so important. Recognise the signs and take action.
An oncologists video on TNBC
Dr Liz O’Riordan, Oncologist and breast Surgeon has created a video detailing Everything you ever wanted to know about TNBC or triple negative breast cancer. She answers questions-
What it is?
When it was discovered?
Who gets it?
Is all TNBC the same??
How is it treated?
New treatments for metastatic disease? To see the video click here.
SB nominated for a ‘Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards.
‘We were so proud to have been nominated and short-listed for the Charity Impact Award at the Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards. We didn’t receive an award, but we had an amazing time. The winners in our category, a charity that supports children of people going through breast cancer, so well deserved. We also heard tonight that when the Preventing Breast Cancer charity go into schools and universities to talk to students about breast cancer, they tell Sarah’s story and use this image of her. How proud are we of Sarah’s legacy. We wonder if even Sarah could have known what a difference she would make
Dr Howell’s ITV News interview.
Dr Sacha Howell PhD FRCP has been spreading awareness of his clinical trial into the breast cancer risk assessment strategy for young women. He was been interviewed ITV Granada’s News to update them on his progress. He is now recruiting volunteers to complete the trial which hopes to improve assessing a young woman’s risk in contracting breast cancer. This should help to prevent those at risk to be monitored in case the disease should develop. During the interview Dr Howell told of how the Shine Bright Foundation has helped to fund the research. See the interview here.
The BBC’s ‘Morning Live’ programme has also reported on Dr Howell’s clinical trial. Early to It’s nearly 2 years since Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding sadly died from breast cancer aged 39. In the UK, screening is routinely offered to women aged between 50 to 70. But, like Sarah, each year over 2,000 women under the age of 40 are diagnosed with it. After her death Sarah’s fellow bandmates, Kimberley Walsh, helped raise over £1 million to look at new ways to detect the disease. Dr. Punam Krishan chats with Kimberley about Sarah’s legacy and goes on to see how Shine Bright and other charities raise money to potentially help save thousands of lives through a new study. Click here to see the interview.
Shine Bright Update from Dr Sacha Howell, PhD FRCP their trial and the first volunteer trialist
We had a meeting with Dr Sacha Howell, Charlie and Sarah at the Nightingale centre in Wythenshawe where they are researching a BCAN-RAY (breast cancer risk assessment strategy for young women) study. Things are progressing very well and the study is a combined effort by different bodies including Christies and Cambridge University. They ready are to invite 750 ladies that are referred by their doctors for this clinical trial. Sarah has come on board to look after the ladies welfare, and to ensure the ethics are covered. We saw a presentation of the project’s development and progress. BCAN-RAY was set up in memory of singer Sarah Harding. Read Christie’s article about it here.
Giving back….
During an appointment with her oncologist, a particular lady said she would like to make a donation into breast cancer research. She asked whom, or where, should she send it to? On the computer screen in front of her and her oncologist is our name and logo! He suggested, “The Shine Bright Foundation.” She replied, “Of course. I have received a gift bag from the Shine Bright Foundation”. He continued, “They raise funds into breast cancer research too directly to our department”. Her oncologist is Sacha Howell at The Christie Manchester. Over the years we have raised and donated nearly £100,000 to Sacha Howell and the research team at The Christie. We have also sent out countless gift bags and provided holistic treatments to many people with breast cancer. We can only do this with your support. The lady now makes a regular monthly donation to SBF, and we thank her from the bottom of our hearts. Another thank you to everyone helping the Shine Bright Foundation to continue our role helping people with breast cancer and raising that much needed money into the research of Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
‘Building Resilience in Cancer’ is an organisation which aims to empower women with the resilience tools they need to manage anxiety and depression and protect against them. It improves quality of life and helps to build resilience in better and more effective ways.
Resilience is the practice of adaptation, flexibility, and adjustment. Learning the art of resilience can help us endure the emotional roller coasters, and manage our emotions more efficiently. To learn more from people who have coped from a low experience visit their website here.
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The Shine Bright Foundation were invited to attend Crewe’s International Women’s Day event at Cheshire College. Great work by Nantwich PR company, Pure PR, for helping to raise the profile of the ‘Motherwell Community’ and getting a double page spread in the Chronicle.
October is ‘Breast Cancer awareness’ month. While some instances of breast cancer are detected by routine NHS mammograms for women aged 50 to 70, most cases are found by people noticing new or unusual changes to their breasts.
The sooner breast cancer is found, the better the chance of successful treatment – which is why it is vital for everyone to know what changes to look and feel for.
Touching, looking at and checking your breasts and chest are the three ways you can help identify and follow up on anything unusual for you.
The important thing is to do it regularly – that way you’ll get used to the way your breasts/chest look and feel so you’ll know what’s normal for you, you’ll be aware of any changes sooner, and can have a better chance of successful treatment if it is breast cancer.
If you are nervous about visiting a GP, remember that you can always look to our information on signs and symptoms of breast cancer or speak to one of our nurses confidentially for more information on what to check for and what happens if you are referred to a breast clinic. https://breastcancernow.org/about-us/news-personal-stories/how-you-can-show-your-breasts-some-tlc-valentine%E2%80%99s-day?utm_source=facebooko&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=services&utm_content=130222TLC
Newly formed ‘Cheshire Roses Group’ support women with cancer in Cheshire and beyond.
More gift bags sent out.
A big thank you to Sue Richards for preparing and posting out these beautiful gift bags. Sue told us “I Absolutely love putting our cancer care gift packs together. 20 packs ready to deliver to the Shine Bright Foundation. The packs contain products and gifts to help with the side effects of chemo and radiotherapy. The feedback has been amazing and the impact on the mindset of the recipients humbling, one lady recently wrote: “It’s chemo day today, but I woke up to a bag of loveliness. Thank you so much for making this horrible journey more bearable and thinking of me”.
Beautiful, hand made mastectomy pillows delivered
A huge thank you to Annalisa and Phyllis for making these beautifully made mastectomy pillows. Over the next few days these pillows will be finding their way to Julie in Salford, Julie in Liverpool, Beverley in Birkenhead, Paula in Widnes and Janet in Bolton. Remember, each pillow was made with love and care for you. Best wishes to you all.
New drug extends the life of breast cancer suffers
A drug called Enhertu is currently available to 400 people on the NHS to suffers whose cancer as spread and have faster tumour growth. Trails have shown that it can reduce the spread of cancer cells so many more patients could soon benefit from it. Read more of this exciting development in the Daily Express article here.
Early stage breast cancer drug to be offered on the NHS
An Abemaciclib tablet taken twice daily could be help 4,000 women increase their chances for staying cancer free by a third. For more details please read the good news story in the Telegraph here.
Great News! Trodelvy is recommended for use on the NHS
We’ve got some great news – our Time For Trodelvy campaign has been successful! Thanks to your incredible support, eligible women living with triple negative secondary breast cancer will now be able to access this exciting new drug on the NHS in England. Mikki, who is living with triple negative secondary breast cancer and has supported the campaign said: ‘Trodelvy is one of the few targeted drugs available to people in my situation, with my type of aggressive cancer. So, it’s a huge relief to know it will be available on the NHS when I need it. ‘When you’re living with triple negative secondary breast cancer, having a new treatment line that could give you more time provides you with hope and a chance to make more memories with those you love. ‘I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who signed the open letter, I cannot express my gratitude enough to those who supported the campaign.’ We want to thank every single person who added their name to our open letter, shared the campaign and encouraged others to sign and shared their story or responded to the consultation. You’ve made this victory happen – and given women living with triple negative secondary breast cancer the hope of more time. For more information, look here.
New blood test can detect cancer earlier.
Research shows that a new blood test is even better at finding early breast cancers than a mammogram. This article in the Daily Mail reveals that the Trucheck test, which highlights cancer cells circulating in the blood, correctly identifies 92 per cent of breast cancers – around five percentage points higher than mammography. Scientists say the real breakthrough is its enhanced ability to spot early-stage breast cancers that are so small they are difficult to pick up on scans, particularly among younger women. To read the full article click here.
Shine Bright help to fund SFX-01 drug
The Shine Bright Foundation are proud to help the funding of Evgen Pharma PLC’s research into the SFX-01 drug. SFX01 has shown positive results in clinical trials in shrinking tumours and extending survival times.
Red Flags for Secondary Breast Cancer
Jacky’s raises awareness of TNBC and secondary breast cancer on GB News
https://www.facebook.com/ShineBrightFoundationSBF/videos/279817410216829
Shine Bright Foundation donate £50,000 to Christie’s
GREAT NEWS! Today(29/7/20), Dennis Alan Robinson and Tom Baker from Shine Bright Foundation had the pleasure of handing over a cheque for £50,000 to Dr Sacha Howell and Charlotte Stockton-Powdrell at The Manchester Cancer research Centre Oglesby Building. This money will enable them to complete the development of a Web Based Application to help identify young women at increased risk of breast cancer. Breast cancer remains the number one cause of death in women aged 30-49 in the UK. Only 20% of young women who develop the disease have a family history and there are currently no accepted approaches to identify such women before breast cancer screening starts at the age of 50yrs. The aim of this research project is to find out if it is feasible and acceptable to younger women 30-49 about their risk of developing breast cancer.
Young women will be invited to. *Complete the online web based assessment questionnaire. *Undergo a low dose mammogram to assess breast density.
*Provide saliva sample for genetic analysis. *These results will be combined to generate a composite risk score. * Young women at high risk will be invited to discuss early breast cancer screening and ways to reduce risk.
Shine Bright Foundation are very honoured to play a part, albeit small, in this exciting project. In time, we all truly believe this web based app will be rolled out and used by all GPs in the UK as an early detection diagnosis. Here’s more details about the app that Shine Bright Foundation has helped to fund. We couldn’t have done it without with the generous donations from its wonderful fundraisers.
Shine Bright help fund app to identify risk of breast cancer in young women
Christies Breast Cancer Trials
Myself, Heather and Tom have attended a meeting with Sacha Howell, one of the top oncologists at Christies. We talked about what trials and treatments were ongoing for breast cancer. The research centre has some fantastic trials as a result of which Shine Bright Foundation have agreed to donate £17,000 to the research team for two breast cancer trials, one of which is specific to Triple Negative Breast Cancer. We are only able to make this donation to research because of all the support we receive from you lovely people. Whether it’s running marathons, running events, buying the calendar and book, attending the ball or donating raffle prizes every penny really does count. We are continuing to provide 6 free reiki and reflexology treatments to anyone with breast cancer in the local area and last week three of the ladies who have had reiki treatments funded by Shine Bright Foundation did their Reiki level 1 course so that they can continue to treat themselves. So from all of us at Shine Bright and all the people with breast cancer you are helping a massive THANK YOU.
Jacky x (April 2017)
The Co-op Way
We have heard from the Co-op to confirm that we have been awarded £5403.28 from the Co-op Members Scheme. Thank you to everyone who has nominated Shine Bright as your chosen charity. Happy to say we have been accepted as their chosen Charity again for another 6 months so if you haven’t nominated us then please do. (April 2017)
Early Research Has Positive Outlook For TNBC Patients
An experimental immune therapy drug, called Atezolizumab, looks promising based on early data from a clinical trail.
Read the Baltimore Sun news article
Researchers offer a glimmer of hope
Medical News Today has reported that a potential drug target has been identified that may offer a glimmer of hope for Triple Negative Breast Cancer sufferers. Researchers reveal they have identified a potential drug target for the disease. Study co-author Sam Thiagalingam, associate professor of genetics & genomics, medicine and pathology & laboratory medicine at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), MA, and colleagues publish their findings in the journal Breast Cancer Research.
Research shows Reiki helps wellness…
New University research shows Reiki is good for helping relieve stress associated with cancer treatment and should be available on the NHS…
Read about the Huddersfield University Study
A Common Medicine Could Prevent Cancer Spreading To Bones
The ‘Breast Cancer Site’ reported that a class of drugs used to prevent bone loss in osteoporosis have recently exhibited the behaviour of starving cancer cells that spread to the bone from breasts.