A fundraiser who underwent preventative surgery after discovering she carried a gene mutation which can cause a higher risk of certain cancers, has raised another £2,300 for the hospital that cared for her.
Tracey Astbury, 58, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction. Her mother died of breast cancer 32 years ago and, after Tracey underwent a lumpectomy and her brother was also diagnosed with cancer, she was tested for the BRCA gene mutation.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that help repair damaged DNA and prevent abnormal cell growth. When a harmful mutation is present, the risk of developing certain cancers can increase significantly.
Following her positive test result, Tracey underwent preventative surgery to have her fallopian tubes and ovaries removed, significantly reducing her risk of developing further cancer.
For the past five years, she has organised fundraising events for Well Wishers, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s charity, and has raised a total of £14,266.
Her latest event took place during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with DJ Bob and other volunteers donating their time and services free of charge.
Tracey said: “I held another charity night recently which went really well.
“We raised £2,300 for the Chemotherapy Ward at Walsall Manor Hospital.
“I received my treatment there, and the staff were incredible and worth their weight in gold. They were excellent, so I always want to do my best for them to say thank you.
“I do enjoy organising the event, and I was inspired after seeing someone else doing the same when I was sitting in the waiting room during my treatment.I will keep doing them as long as I can.
“I would like to say a special thank you to Donna Keen (singer), Bob Adams (DJ), Ricky Jay (compere) and Charlamont Bowling Club.”
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, added: “We are incredibly grateful to Tracey for her continued support over the years. Having experienced cancer treatment herself, she understands first-hand the difference our staff make to patients and their families.
“Her previous fundraiser helped towards the beautiful graphics that brighten up the walls on the Chemotherapy Unit and this latest donation will help us continue to enhance services and provide those extra touches that can make a difficult time a little easier. On behalf of Well Wishers and the teams she supports, we’d like to thank Tracey, DJ Bob and everyone who attended and donated.”