Scarborough care home rallies around colleague following breast cancer diagnosis

To show their support, residents and team members organised a Pretty in Pink afternoon tea, inviting families, friends and members of the local community to join them in raising money for Breast Cancer Now.

The event, which included afternoon tea, games and a raffle, raised £270 for the charity, which provides support and information for people affected by breast cancer and funds research into the disease.

Joanne Fawthrop, a Unit Lead at St Mary's Castle Grange Care Home on Dean Road, said the stage three diagnosis came as a shock, after discovering a lump by chance earlier in the year.

Since, Joanne, a wife and mother of six, has since undergone six rounds of chemotherapy, a lumpectomy and surgery to remove lymph nodes, while continuing to work at the care home.

She said: "The support I've received from everyone at Castle Grange has meant so much.

"Continuing to work has helped me keep a sense of normality throughout my treatment, and knowing that my colleagues and the residents were thinking of me and wanted to do something to help has been incredibly touching.

"I'm so grateful to everyone who took part."

The fundraiser was also particularly meaningful to other members of the Castle Grange community, where several residents and staff have also been affected by breast cancer.

Nicky Horbury, Manager at Castle Grange, said: "Joanne is a much-valued member of our team, and her diagnosis came as a real shock to everyone.

"Throughout her treatment, we've wanted to do everything we can to support her, and the Pretty in Pink afternoon was a lovely way for our residents, families and team members to show how much she means to us.

"Breast cancer has touched the lives of many people in our home, so this was a cause that meant a great deal to everyone involved. We're delighted to have raised £270 for Breast Cancer Now, and we're all continuing to support Joanne as she recovers."