A Macmillan Cake Day was held earlier this month by eight Employment colleagues in the Eccles Restart office, and raised over £90.
The team was fundraising for the charity as one of them had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, received treatment and has now got the all clear.
About the fundraising activity, Andrea Lupton, Employment Advisor told us:
"The emails were circling around about cake day, so I thought why not make it a bit more special, and make it a Macmillan Cake Day, so we can raise awareness and raise some money in the process.
My colleague, Jan was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I wanted to show her, that her work family know she’s been through a tough few months and know that we care, and that we are here for her. Another colleague, Natasha, helped me to set up the table and the balloons, and everybody contributed by bringing in cakes or baking a cake. Even participants were donating and taking a slice of cake into the job club!
"We managed to raise around £40 cash and £52 donated via the QR code. We did a food quiz, and had a giggle at the photos that were taken during the day whilst enjoying Jan’s amazing carrot cake! I'm sure this will become a yearly event now as it was enjoyed so much by the team.
"If a few balloons and cake raises awareness, then its definitely worth it! Its so important to check your breasts and see the GP should they look or feel different, or if you notice any puckering in the breast tissue or lumps under the skin and if you are invited to attend your over 50's mammogram, its really important that you attend just in case you have no symptoms at all.
Reflecting on the support and her cancer journey, Jan Vujakovic, Lead Employment Adviser told us abut the importance of undertaking a breast check/mammogram on a regular basis:
"I have always had breast checks, there is nothing to be embarrassed about, and no excuses about I haven’t got time.
"My breast cancer was found from the last 2 yearly BUPA check. Suspicions were raised at the breast exam from very slight skin puckering, (which even I couldn’t see) this was December 23. A further appointment was made in January and suspicions were confirmed via a mammogram and then a scan, even at this point there was no lump, at this appointment a biopsy was taken.
"In February 24 the biopsy confirmed it was cancer which was contained in the milk ducts, therefore reconstructive surgery was needed, and this took place in March 2024. I dread to think what stage I would be at now if this hadn’t been caught.
"Thanks to the team for all of their support over the last year - it's meant so much to me."
Additional Information
For what symptoms to look out for, take a look at Signs and symptoms of breast cancer | Breast Cancer Now.
A number of colleagues are taking part in a Cancer Research charity walk on the 11th October. It's a 10K night time walk.
If you'd like to get involved, or to donate, visit:
Shine Night Walk Manchester | Charity Walk Manchester (cancerresearchuk.org).