Community donations fund Breast Cancer support group for patients from Basildon Hospital

At our charity, we’re proud to support projects that make a real difference in our local community. One such initiative is Breast Cancer Buddies UK, a support group set up and run by Elaine Fuller, a dedicated Outpatients Healthcare Assistant at Basildon Hospital.

Elaine’s experience with breast cancer began in 2007 when she was diagnosed at just 34 years old, with a three-year-old child and no one of a similar age to talk to about what she was going through. After a second diagnosis in 2011, she noticed there was still a clear gap in local support. That same year, in response to not being able to access a local support group, she set up her own Facebook group – Breast Cancer Buddies UK – which now has over 2,000 members and continues to grow.

Elaine said: “I created the support group I felt was missing in my breast cancer journey. When my colleague here at Basildon Hospital suggested a face-to-face group, I could instantly see the benefit this would bring to local women. There just didn’t seem to be anything else in the area offering this kind of support.”

Previously self-funding the cost of hall hire and refreshments, Elaine has now received a £945 grant from our charity, enabling her to run the monthly group for a full year without the personal financial strain. This funding ensures that women in the area can continue to benefit from a safe, understanding space to talk, share, and support one another.

The group is for anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, is undergoing treatment, or is in recovery. Beyond emotional support, Elaine’s bigger vision is to grow the group alongside the Breast unit at Basildon Hospital to become a hub of practical help too- with reflexology sessions, wig advice, and other wellbeing activities.

We’re honoured to fund this initiative and help ensure no woman in our community feels alone during or after their breast cancer journey.

Join the Group – everyone’s welcome

When: Last Saturday of every month

Time: 10.30 am – 12.00 pm

Where: The Karis May Darling Centre, Corringham Park, Gordon Road, Corringham, SS17 7QZ

Email: breastcancerbuddiesuk@hotmail.com

Facebook: ‘Breast cancer buddies UK Essex’

No need to book, just drop in – because no one needs to feel alone.