Whaplode woman’s fight against cancer inspires colleagues at Holbeach charity into fundraiser

Staff and volunteers at a Holbeach charity are wearing pink every day in October to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Now.

Boxes of Hope receptionist Carol Houlden was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 after a routine mammogram and is now encouraging others to make sure they take up the life-saving screening opportunity when it’s offered to them.

Following her diagnosis Carol underwent two operations – one to remove the lump and a second to remove more tissue and seven lymph nodes. She then had 15 doses of radiotherapy but was given the all-clear in 2016 after a five-year course of the Tamoxifen.

“Being told I had breast cancer was the worst day of my life” said Carol, of Whaplode.

“If I hadn’t gone for that mammogram I probably wouldn’t be here now as my cancer was tiny and slow growing.

“I was just in a state of shock when I got the news, but I told the doctors that they could throw everything at me - I totally put myself in their hands

“It was tough. My partner Vince was a huge support throughout this time. I can still remember my consultant telling me I had the all-clear.

“Her words were: ‘I’m pleased to say you’re in remission. Now go away, have a good life, and I hope I never see you again’.”

Now Carol, with support from her colleagues, is urging others to check themselves for lumps and abnormalities while raising funds to support the Breast Cancer charity.

The team has donation buckets in the reception of its hub in Holbeach High Street and has also set up a Just Giving page where people can contribute online.

“We’re supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month to raise both funds and awareness,” said Carol. “It’s so important that women go for their mammogram when they get the letter through – I can’t urge them enough. It saved my life.

“And if anyone doesn’t know how to check themselves they can come and see us here at Boxes of Hope and I will show them. I can’t stress how important it is that we all do this.”

* To make a donation visit justgiving.com/page/carol-houlden-1725874187592