VIDEO: Best friends who beat cancer together fundraising for ‘exceptional’ team at Bassetlaw Hospital

Self-proclaimed ‘bosom buddies’ Sian and Cath, from Oldcotes, have been best friends for 12 years and were treated on the same breast cancer ward after being diagnosed within five months of each other.

They have since gone on to beat their illnesses, which they say is thanks to ‘exceptional support and care’ from Bassetlaw hospital consultant surgeon Mr Kodappa Kolar and his team.

Cath said: “What we really want to do now is give something back. I made a donation last year and Mr Kolar told me he would put the money towards a new machine the unit are saving up for.”

“The machine takes fat from the patient’s stomach and injects it into the breasts, making reconstruction after a mastectomy a much less traumatic experience.”

Sian added: “We have been told that this machine can turn a major operation into a minor operation.”

“It is a lot less invasive and could really enhance the unit.”

“It costs £24,000 but we are keen to raise as much as we possibly can towards it to say thank you to Mr Kolar and his wonderful team.”

The pair have already raised just over £3,000 after hosting a race night at Oldcotes village hall on Friday 25th April.

Sian said: “The support from the village was incredible and we would really like to offer our thanks to them.”

“We met a lot of women in the same situation as us from our area who were keen to help, and we are sure that pretty much everyone in the village donated.”

“We also received sponsorship from local businesses such as Blyth Marble, Wilko’s in Worksop and Andy’s Cafe to whom we are very grateful.”

You can make a donation on Sian and Cath’s fundraising page at http://gogetfunding.com/project/bassetlaw-breastcare-unit or alternatively send a cheque to Bassetlaw hospital payable to Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospital NHS Trust Fund breast care unit.