Bromleys Solicitors, a Tameside-based law firm, has presented a cheque for £4,370 to The Christie Charity, a fundraising effort that took on profound personal significance after practice manager Louise Nolan was diagnosed with breast cancer just three months into the partnership.
Personal Journey Behind the Fundraising
Louise, 53, who has worked at Bromleys for two decades and is now back full-time after completing chemotherapy, underwent a double mastectomy followed by 12 gruelling rounds of chemotherapy. She is currently on a 12-month course of immunotherapy as part of her ongoing treatment. Her diagnosis came shortly after the firm chose The Christie Charity as its charity of the year, making the cause deeply personal.
Reflecting on her experience, Louise said: “The treatment and care I’ve received from The Christie cannot be faulted. It’s an amazing facility to have in the region and I’m so pleased that Bromleys has been able to raise funds for it, as The Christie Charity does tremendous work.”
Fundraising Activities and Staff Participation
The £4,370 was raised over 12 months through a series of events, including themed lunches, a Santa dash, and the participation of six staff members in the AJ Bell Great Manchester 10k Run. The cheque was presented to John Ashley, The Christie Charity’s senior corporate development manager, at the firm’s offices in Ashton-under-Lyne.
The Christie Charity supports The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in providing life-saving cancer treatment, pioneering research, and additional care for patients and families. The funds raised will contribute to these vital services.
Louise’s Story: A Call for Screening
Louise’s cancer was detected following her first routine mammogram after turning 50. She is now sharing her story to encourage more women to attend breast screening. “My breast cancer was detected following my first routine mammogram since turning 50. I felt pleased and relieved that I’d gone for screening, and thankfully my cancer was found at an early stage,” she said.
She added: “While initially I was worried when I was invited to go for further tests, I felt strangely calm when I got the diagnosis. I just accepted the situation and got on with it. The chemotherapy was quite gruelling at times, but it was not as bad as I thought it might be. I’m now feeling much better as all the side effects have lifted.”
Urging Women to Attend Screenings
Louise emphasised the importance of screening, noting that mammograms are offered every three years to women aged 50 to 70. “A mammogram is offered to every woman aged more than 50 and under 70 every three years, and I would urge everyone eligible to be screened. The service is ultimately there to save your life,” she said.
“I want something positive to come from my experiences, so I would encourage more women to attend for screening. It’s also important to check yourself. The earlier you act and seek advice if you notice anything unusual, hopefully the better the outcome will be if cancer is detected.”
Gratitude from The Christie Charity
John Ashley, senior corporate development manager at The Christie Charity, expressed his appreciation: “It was a pleasure to work with Bromleys Solicitors during the period in which The Christie Charity was the firm’s charity of the year. The enthusiasm and creativity Bromleys showed with fundraising was very impressive. Every event and activity, however small or large, contributes to the life-saving and life-changing work of the hospital. We’re incredibly grateful for this support, which will impact patients and their families for years to come.”
Chris Eaton, a solicitor in Bromleys’ wills and probate team and a member of the firm’s staff committee, added: “Over the course of the year, the team came together to support The Christie Charity through a variety of fundraising initiatives. The amount raised was significant and reflected the enthusiasm and generosity of colleagues across the firm. When we chose The Christie Charity as our charity of the year, we had no idea how close to home it would become. Seeing the support Louise received made our fundraising efforts feel even more worthwhile, and we’re proud to have supported such an important cause.”
New Charity of the Year: Willow Wood Hospice
Bromleys has now selected Willow Wood Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne as its new charity of the year. Joanne Lees, the hospice’s partnership development lead, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Bromleys Solicitors has chosen Willow Wood Hospice as its charity of the year. As two organisations with strong roots in our local community and a shared commitment to supporting local people, we’re looking forward to working together over the coming year.”
“The support from everyone at Bromleys will help raise vital funds and increase awareness of the specialist care and support we provide to patients and families across Tameside and Glossop. Partnerships like this make a real difference, and we are incredibly grateful to have Bromleys by our side.”
