Sharon has been at the forefront of the campaign to provide cancer patients access to drugs which they need to improve and extend their quality of life. Since a close friend was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2005 Sharon has been aware of how important it is that the NHS continues to deliver for cancer sufferers.

Sharon played a key role in the campaign to make Herceptin available on the NHS across the whole country and continues to work closely with several cancer groups including: Ovarian Cancer Action, Beating Bowel Cancer, Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Macmillan.

"Sharon has been one of the main backbench champions for people affected by cancer since her arrival in Parliament. We were extremely pleased she invited Macmillan along to her recent meeting with Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People. Thanks to Sharon we were able to tell the Minister directly exactly what needs to be done to tackle the financial hardship faced by far too many cancer patients and their families." Peter Cardy, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Relief, April 2006

Thanks to her key role in campaigning for cancer sufferers, Sharon was again asked to speak at the Breakthrough Fly-In event in Westminster. She gave the key note speech in which she urged supporters to lobby MPs with their stories and stories of friends and loved ones. The speech went down well, and Sharon spent time afterwards talking to sufferers and lobbyists.

She praised these women for their impassioned campaigning and their dedication to helping other women with breast cancer. The press release on this issue is located here.

As recognition for her work, Sharon has been nominated for MP of the year in the Women and Public Life awards by Rachel Cunningham of Breast Cancer Care. The results are announced on the 4th March 2009. In the nomination, Rachel wrote that “as Secretary to the All Party Group on Breast Cancer, Sharon’s energy and enthusiasm for raising awareness of breast cancer issues in Westminster has been second to none.”

To see the full nomination here

The related press release talks of Sharon’s dedication to the cause.

Sharon also organised a breast cancer awareness event in the North East, bringing together over 200 women from across Tyne & Wear to let them know of available support. The event was a great success and offered encouragement to many women. The press release for the event is located here.

Sharon has been offering her support to beating Bowel Cancer’s Be Loud! Be Clear campaign. She is urging Tyne & Wear campaigners to talk about this disease which has often been neglected, so that people can learn about the symptoms and the help available. For the related press release, click here.

Sharon hosted the Breakthrough Breast cancer Annual Reception in Parliament in April 2009, where guests heard of the problems associated with lymphoedema, a condition arising in 1 in 5 breast cancer cases.

Sharon was also awarded the Patsy Calton Award by Breakthrough breast Cancer for her campaigning and contribution over the last few years, and specifically for the unique event she organised in her constituency, bringing together 200 sufferers to learn about everything from bras to treatment.

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Sharon Hodgson MP
House of Commons,
London SW1A 0AA

E-mail: hodgsons@parliament.uk

Constituency Office Tel. 0191 417 2000.

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