A BUMPER summer garden party is to be held at the Alexandra Hospital – and everyone’s invited to go along.
It’s been organised by cancer survivor Nicki Jones with one clear message – get yourself tested so you too can beat it.
Nicki only found out she had cancer when she volunteered to take part in a trial testing women under 50 for breast cancer.
“I still don’t know why I did it, but I’m glad as otherwise I wouldn’t be here today,” she said.
“When they found my cancer I was not in any pain and there were no lumps either.”
The cancer was not only in her breasts but in her lymph glands as well.
She had a double mastectomy on her 50th birthday and after treatment at the Garden Suite at the Alex and reconstruction surgery she is urging everyone to get themselves tested for cancer.
“If I can help just one person then it’s all be worth it,” said the Greenlands resident, who works in the catering department at the Alex.
She’s being helped by colleague Kelly Edwards, who works in Quinneys Restaurant at the hospital.
“My mum was more scared of the test, and what it might find, but unless they find out what’s wrong they can’t help you,” said Kelly.
Nicki admits that another aim of her campaign is to raise moral at the Woodrow Drive hospital, which has been hit by the loss of a number of services.
“The care at the Alex is second to none and this is for everyone who works there too,” said Nicki.
The garden party is in aid of a good cause too with all money raised in aid of Alexandra Breast Care.
Nicki has organised a stellar array of prizes for the raffle – for instance free bathroom tile flooring and fitting – and there will be a fun element too with ‘The Breast Cake Bake Off competition’ and a cake sale.
The event is on Thursday, July 6 in Quinneys Restaurant in the hospital which is upstairs, left at the top and at the end of the corridor.
Raffle tickets are available from the hospital cafe or from Nicki on 07730 367905, and the grand draw will be carried out by Nicki’s consultant Mr Jeavon Taylor.
