Sharon hosted the 10th anniversary celebrations
of The Lavender Trust at an event held in Portcullis House
The Lavender Trust helps to fund
the work Breast Cancer Care do to support younger women with breast
cancer. The event was timed to coincide with the launch of the
support book 'Mummy's Lump' which has been designed
especially to help parents explain breast cancer to young
children.
Sharon also tabled EDM
1457 which has been signed by 67 MPs and reads:
"That this
House congratulates the Lavender Trust at Breast Cancer Care on its
10th anniversary; notes that the Lavender Trust was co-founded by
Beth Wagstaff and Justine Picardie and is the only fund in the UK
dedicated to addressing the particular needs of younger women with
breast cancer; acknowledges that over one-fifth of breast cancer
patients are women under 50 years of age who often face an
uncertain future, early menopause and child care issues; further
notes the variety of free support funded by the Lavender Trust
including publications, workshops and telephone support; pays
tribute to the dedication of all involved with the Lavender Trust
over the last 10 years; and wishes them every success for the
future."
Sharon's opening comments from the event can be
read below.
"Good Evening everyone and welcome to what is a
celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Lavender Trust. I can
see one or two familiar faces here this evening but those of you
who don’t already know me I am Sharon Hodgson the MP for Gateshead
East and Washington West and also Secretary of the All Party
Parliamentary Breast Cancer Group."
"I’m particularly pleased to be
here to support the Lavender Trust as I know just what a terrible
impact a breast cancer diagnosis can have on younger
women.
"My best friend, Joanne Smith, was diagnosed with
breast cancer in 2005 at the age of 34. At the time she was a young
woman with a young family. I imagine you would not need me to tell
you of the pain and anguish which she and her family, and friends
suffered. These were ‘testing times’ which have gone on to
profoundly shape my first years as a Member of
Parliament.
"As we
know, the vast majority of breast cancer occurs in women over 50
and often support services are tailored to meet the needs of this
demographic.
"For a
younger woman who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer the
experience can be particularly isolating. That is why The Lavender
Trust has funded Breast Cancer Care’s development of services aimed
at supporting younger women following a
diagnosis.
"Breast
Cancer Care are already a calling point for women with cancer, and
indeed their families. Their web forum gets a new post every three
minutes and the majority of these are from younger women and their
partners.
"You
will find around the room a few examples of Breast Cancer Care
publications. I want to draw your attention to the latest
one.
"
‘Mummy’s lump’ is a beautifully illustrated children’s book which
women can use to explain breast cancer diagnosis and treatment to
young children. Nobody would ever wish to take on such a task, but
for those that have to try and explain cancer to their kids, this
book will be a valuable tool, and it’s being provided free, thanks
to the Lavender Trust.
"This
work is just part of Breast Cancer Care’s drive to improve
information and support for younger women with breast cancer. Their
Standard of Care guide is invaluable in telling women what level of
care they should expect, and if necessary demand. They have also
helped produce a charter for women who are in employment at the
time of diagnosis, and in doing so enabled women who want to, to
continue working.
"So
often talking about cancer can be a little depressing. So I’m going
to try and end on a happier note. We ARE making progress. Survival
rates for Breast Cancer are continuing to increase. That means that
more and more women will need on-going support and information as
they get on with their day-to-day lives. I know that Breast Cancer
Care will continue to support them through the Lavender Trust and I
wish them the very best of luck for the future.
Lavender
Trust >>
........................
Go
back <<
Sharon
Hodgson << Go back to Sharon Hodgson's Home
Page. www.sharonhodgson.org
Sharon
Hodgson MP
House of Commons,
London SW1A 0AA
E-mail:
hodgsons@parliament.uk
Constituency Office Tel. 0191
469 7844
| 
