Breast Cancer: Clatterbridge staff member and patient raises funds

Karen Jones, from West Kirby, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, just three months after her eldest sister, Jean, was also diagnosed with the same condition, and just 2 years after her other sister, Esther, sadly passed away from breast cancer.
  
The 63-year-old was working at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre at the time of her diagnosis and so her place of work, where she routinely went each day, suddenly became the place where she herself would receive treatment.

Esther and Karen on Karen's wedding day (Image: Clatterbridge)

After the cancer returned in 2018, Karen has since retired from working at Clatterbridge and continues to be an ambassador for the hospital and the charity.

Karen said: "I was given the news on December 9 2009, which is my dad’s birthday, and two days before my own 50th Birthday. 

"I have and continue to be treated at Clatterbridge Wirral and cannot highlight how amazing the staff at Clatterbridge are – so patient-focused, delivering the best treatment with kindness and empathy."

Talking about her sister's breast cancer diagnosis, Karen added: "My sister’s diagnosis in 1987 kind of stayed with me and therefore, although I was upset and a bit surprised, I managed to deal with the news OK.  

"My family were of course upset, but they were also so supportive of me, and wanted to help in any way they could."

Karen was discharged in 2015 but then found that the cancer returned in October 2018 following her annual mammogram.  

Now Karen has metastatic cancer to her spine for which she is being treated at Clatterbridge. 

She has done several charity events and fundraising over the years – most recently raising almost £150 with neighbours at her own Clatterbridge Tea Party.

Karen in the 2019 Chester Dragon Boat team (Image: Clatterbridge)

“My consultant, Dr Malik, and the team have been amazing throughout, and have always answered any questions I may have in relation to my condition and treatment", Karen said.

“When I had the opportunity to support the charity, I was delighted. 

"The charity has grown from a very small team trying to make the patient’s journey better, to an amazing team who covers all sites and has proved amazing support to the Trust.

“My goal is always to try and take part in charity events big or small as every donation or gift makes a difference to patients."

Elspeth Wilson from Clatterbridge Cancer Charity said: "We cannot thank Karen enough for her amazing support over the years. 

"There is nothing Karen won’t do to raise funds or awareness for Clatterbridge. 

"We are so grateful to Karen, and her friends and family, for her unwavering support for the charity, to support others – like herself – who are currently having treatment at Clatterbridge."

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – if you would like to organise your own fundraising to support your local cancer centre, simply visit https://www.clatterbridgecc.nhs.uk/charity/events/ccc-events/clatterbridgeteaparty, or contact the team via ccf-tr.fundraising@nhs.net / 0151 556 5566.