“If you had told me in July 2020, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, that in 2022 I’d be recovered and preparing to run a marathon, I’d never have believed you”, says Laura-Jayne Derbyshire. She is preparing to run the Manchester Half Marathon for the first time for NorthCare, the official charity of Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust.
Following successful chemotherapy and a lumpectomy, Laura received treatment from the Karen and Emma, Macmillan Specialist Breast Physiotherapists at Salford Royal Hospital, using a ‘Deep Osciliation Therapy’ (DOT) machine. She described the treatment, which breaks down scar tissue and encourages the body to drain lymphatic fluid, as “a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”
“After experiencing the ‘poking and prodding’ involved in the treatment for my cancer, having regular treatment from the DOT machine was the first time I had physical contact with a health professional that provided me with comfort and relief from my pain. I want every person who experiences cancer to feel the same benefits as I did, so I’m fundraising for another DOT machine for the team to use.”
“The service provided at Salford Royal works around a strict schedule as, with only one machine available, only one patient can receive Deep Oscillation Therapy at a time”, said Karen and Emma.
“An additional machine will allow the team to go above and beyond the NHS standard and provide care for more patients from across Greater Manchester. We want as many of our patients as possible to feel the benefits from the DOT machine, so we’re incredibly grateful to Laura for fundraising to help us purchase another.
“We are very proud of how far she has come and what she has achieved.”
“By fundraising, not only am I making a difference for cancer survivors in the future, but I am also showing people at the start of the journey that recovery is possible and you can come out of the experience stronger and capable of anything! Running became a great outlet for me while I was receiving treatment and now I can do something really positive and make a difference”, said Laura.
“I want to say a huge thank you to Karen and Emma for all of their care and support – they have had a huge impact on me and I am so grateful for everything they have done.”
“We’re absolutely delighted to be able to support Laura with her fundraising challenge”, said Jessica Pollard, Fundraising Officer for NorthCare Charity. “She is an amazing example of someone who has taken the positives from an intense experience and now is doing what she can to help others in a similar position – a shining star fundraiser!
“Anyone interested in taking on a personal challenge to raise funds for their local NHS charity should contact Team NorthCare, we’d love to hear from you.”
You can donate to Laura’s fundraising campaign on JustGiving, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/LJDsBoobies.