HeadStrong volunteer Tracey Williams from Cardiff (pictured) tells us about the incredible impact of Tickled Pink's fundraising.
HeadStrong volunteer Tracey Williams from Cardiff (pictured) tells us about the incredible impact of Tickled Pink's fundraising.
'When I heard Tickled Pink has now hit the £40million mark I was astounded what a fantastic achievement!
'The impact this funding has had on Breast Cancer Care is truly incredible. When doctors told me I needed chemo I felt so distressed about losing my hair. But thanks to the amazing dedication and fundraising efforts of Asda colleagues and customers I am now able to help other women in need as a HeadStrong volunteer.
'Thanks to Asda’s support Breast Cancer Care has been able grow HeadStrong by 50% in the last year meaning we can help hundreds more women with hair loss when they need us most.
'I was diagnosed when I was just 49. The thought of losing my hair overrode the thought of being ill. I worried about it all the time.
'I cut my hair short in preparation so my family and I could get used to my having less hair. My hairdresser was on standby to shave it all off when the time came.
'When it did start falling out it was a horrible feeling. It was like losing my identity. It was the first visible sign of how unwell I was.
'I bought a wig at my daughter’s request; she didn’t want to go out with me looking like a victim. You see it’s not just you who suffers your family have fears too and you want to protect them.
'Unfortunately I was too unwell and didn’t get to attend one of the HeadStrong sessions hosted by Breast Cancer Care.
'But thanks to the incredible support from Asda’s Tickled Pink campaign I have been able to train as a HeadStrong volunteer and use my experiences to help others.
'When women come into their session they are tearful and frightened but they leave laughing joking and smiling. They have a renewed confidence. The sessions give practical tips on how to tie headscarves and look after the scalp but they also give patients the opportunity to talk about any issues. It’s a wonderful wonderful service and I’m thrilled to be involved.
'Thank you to everyone who fundraised or donated. Forty million is an absolutely incredible milestone and has made such a difference to hundreds of thousands of families affected by breast cancer across the UK.'