Five questions with Pat, a volunteer campaigner

This National Volunteering Week we’re celebrating the many ways that people can get involved with Breast Cancer Care. As a volunteer campaigner, Pat plays a vital role in supporting our campaigning work to improve services for people affected by breast cancer.

Why did you choose to campaign with Breast Cancer Care?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. Breast Cancer Care was there for me in those dark days and I don’t think I would have coped without that support.

As soon as I was fit and strong enough, I applied to become a volunteer. Five years later, I’m still volunteering. As well as campaigning, I support a range of Breast Cancer Care’s services, fundraising events and activities. 

I believe everyone facing breast cancer deserves the best care and support they need. I want to ensure that cancer services are not eroded and that cancer treatments are available to all.

Volunteering with the Breast Cancer Care Campaigns team means my voice is heard and I can really make a difference.

Tell us about your role

I’m involved in campaigning to improve services for people affected by breast cancer, which could include anything from hosting local events, working with my MP, attending events in Parliament or speaking to my local Hospital Trust about their services for people with breast cancer.

I am one of the ‘lucky’ ones’, I am still here, I am fit healthy and feel good about life.  But and there is a big but, we all know that we are never cured and that it can return and breast cancer still kills nearly 12,000 people each year. I feel quite passionate in being involved.

What’s been your most memorable moment while volunteering?

The most amazing thing I have undertaken was hosting the Breast Cancer Care Question Time event before the general election in 2015.    

It was exciting to organise an event that gave local people the chance to ask questions about breast cancer treatment and services and to hear first-hand the parliamentary candidates’ thoughts and opinions.  

I have since met my elected MP a number of times and I’m really impressed with his continued commitment, interest and support.

What would you say to someone who told you they were considering campaigning or volunteering?

I would certainly encourage anybody who is interested in supporting Breast Cancer Care as a volunteer to go for it. 

There are many roles to choose from. And whether it’s a few hours or a few days a month, the time you give really matters and makes a difference. Giving your time to make life better for other people is very rewarding

What impact has it had on you and how you feel about yourself and others?

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I lost so much. Physically I lost a breast, then hair, eyebrows, eyelashes… Emotionally, I lost my confidence, self-esteem and generally my peace of mind. I felt old, tired and struggled with the uncertainty that the cancer might come back.    

Volunteering with Breast Cancer Care has helped me come to terms with my diagnosis. I have met so many people in the same situation and made countless new friends.   

When speaking to those who have been recently diagnosed, it really brings it home to me how just how far I have moved on.