Lorraine Ashford

Since recovering from a breast cancer diagnosis 8 years ago, Lorraine has worked voluntarily and tirelessly to build up and raise many thousands of pounds for Breast Friends Solihull, a local breast cancer charity. This was a fledgling charity when she joined and she has been instrumental in building it up, organising and running the support group. She writes a monthly newsletter to keep its members informed of the benefits the charity provides, along with the latest breast cancer news and has helped set up a website. She dedicates numerous hours each week to its running and also organises annual fun runs, fund raising balls, to name but a few of the events she is directly involved with, to raise money to fund a raft of services. These services include providing wigs, domestic help, childcare for those undergoing chemotherapy, as well as equipment loans to seriously ill patients & offer grants in cases of hardship. Complementary therapies are offered to help with the anxiety a breast cancer diagnosis brings and Breast friends have trained a team of councillors to provide a listening ear for ladies in need. The friendships formed at the monthly meetings Lorraine helps to organise, provide emotional support to its members. Medical professionals are the speakers at these meetings and are

always on hand to support Breast Friends Solihull, as they recognise the important work this charity provides to breast cancer patients in the local community.