A cancer care charity appeal is continuing to bloom – with a little cultivation from two Suffolk police officers.
Pc Emma Arthurs and Pc Sally Wilson raised almost £1,500 by taking on this year’s Alton Water Run with a group of colleagues from Suffolk Constabulary.
Last year, Pc Arthurs, based at police HQ, was diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump while getting dressed.
Six chemotherapy sessions were followed by three lots of surgery, including a mastectomy, and 15 radiotherapy appointments at Colchester Hospital’s Mary Barron Suite.
At the same time, Pc Wilson, based at Landmark House, was undergoing weeks of treatment for breast cancer at Ipswich Hospital’s radiotherapy suite.
As well as £1,479.82 to be split between the Blossom Appeal at Ipswich and Breast Unit at Colchester, they raised awareness of police staff and officers who continue to work while going through treatment for illness.
The pair were supported on the five-kilometre run by a team of 20 female officers, who were key to their own recovery. Among them was Inspector Ali Newman, who ran the Felixstowe Coastal 10 and raised £1,000 for the Mary Barron Suite last September.
The Blossom Appeal aims to raise £2.5m for a new breast care centre at Ipswich Hospital.
Colchester Hospital has recently benefitted from a new centre.
Ipswich specialist breast nurse, Kim Collingridge said: “We can’t thank Emma and Sally enough.
“Their fundraising is only part of the story. Since running, they have worked tirelessly to ensure other work colleagues having cancer treatment know all about the help and support available during and post-treatment.’
Consultant surgeon Caroline Mortimer said: “The centres will be leading the field in breast care.
“The joint clinical expertise will ensure patients get even better diagnosis, treatment and care.
“Emma and Sally have helped us move one step closer to this vision.”
At a cheque presentation, Pc Emma Arthurs and Pc Sally Wilson added another flower to the ‘Blossometer’, which is tracking progress of the appeal.
The flower represented another £1,000 being donated – taking the total to £156,387.
To find out more about the Blossom Appeal, visit colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/breast.
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