The importance of breast cancer awareness was highlighted when two survivors held a charity cream tea in Helston on Saturday.

Ali James and Heather Triggs both have personal experience of the disease and now want to promote the need to have regular checks, as well as give something back to the doctors and nurses that helped them so much.

Held in Heather’s garden in Tregarrick Close, a cream tea afternoon raised £2,240 – with more still coming in – for the Mermaid Centre, Sunrise Centre and Headland Unit, all at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.

Ali, who was diagnosed with breast cancer almost a year ago to the day and is still receiving treatment, following a mastectomy and reconstruction, said of the day: “It was buzzing. We’re raising funds for these three centres because they have been amazing, but also for people to be more breast aware.”

The former Lloyds Bank worker, who was a familiar face in the Helston branch for 28 years but is now a bra fitter for Marks & Spencer, said it was important women checked themselves regularly and also attended their mammogram appointments, as so many were not taken up.

Her friend Heather, who works at Kuggar Stoves in Helston, was diagnosed with breast cancer 11 years ago.

They organised an afternoon of cream teas, raffles and refreshments, which was well supported.

The pair thanked the businesses in Helston and the surrounding area that donated advertising, refreshments and no less than 40 raffle prizes, as well as all those who donated items to the stalls and helped man them on the day.

“We want to thank all our family and friends for so much support,” they added.

Ali particularly thanked her husband Roger and sons Matt and Sam for their support, with Heather also thanking her husband and family.

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