Staff members at Walsall Manor Hospital are being encouraged to wear pink and show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month during a special fundraising event scheduled for later this month. The initiative has been organised by a group of Medical Secretaries who have witnessed the profound impact of breast cancer on patients, their families, and colleagues.
The event holds particular significance for one of the organisers, Katie James, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Inspired by her own journey, she is keen to raise awareness of the condition and express gratitude to the services that supported her throughout her treatment. James shared, “I was diagnosed with breast cancer last June. I hadn’t been feeling myself and though something was off. I then checked and found a 7mm lump. I went straight to my GP, and thankfully it was diagnosed early. I had surgery followed by nine sessions of radiotherapy. I was treated at Walsall by Mr Matthew Green and the team, and they were absolutely brilliant. That is why I wanted to give something back.”
James added that her colleague Jodie holds an annual Macmillan Coffee Morning, which inspired the idea for a similar event to support breast cancer awareness and the healthcare teams. The 'Wear It Pink and Breast Cancer Awareness Day' will take place in the hospital’s Main Atrium on Friday 23 October 2026. Funds raised will benefit both the Breast Care Team and the Chemotherapy Unit.
In addition to staff wearing pink for a £1 donation, visitors can also contribute through a cake sale and a raffle, with a hamper as the top prize. Jodie Stokes, Medical Secretary for Trauma and Orthopaedics, commented on the event's origin, stating, “Katie came up with the idea for this event because breast cancer is something that has become very close to her heart. After everything she has been through over the last 12 months, she wanted to give something back while also helping to raise awareness for others. I’ve been involved in fundraising for many years and was delighted to support her in bringing the event together. We hope lots of colleagues will get involved by wearing pink, buying a cake, or taking part in the raffle. Every donation will help support our Breast Care Team and Chemotherapy Unit, which make such a difference to patients and their families every day.”
Nicole Messam, Fundraising Support Officer for Well Wishers, highlighted the community aspect of the event. “Wear It Pink is a lovely opportunity for our staff and local community to come together, show their support and raise awareness of breast cancer,” she said. “Whether it’s wearing something pink, making a donation or supporting our fundraising activities, every contribution counts. With funds raised being shared between our Breast Care Team and Chemotherapy Unit, it’s a chance to support the services that mean so much to our patients and their families.”
