A Wantage care home has thrown pink-themed celebrations to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month and colleague support which led to a critical diagnosis for one staff member.

Sharon Ottley, lifestyles manager at Elmbrook Court care home, was diagnosed with breast cancer in January. Unit manager Jenni Morgan insisted she visit her GP after Sharon told her of lingering pains in her shoulder which had spread to her chest. Sharon underwent a mastectomy a month after her initial appointment which was followed by a programme of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 

Sharon said: “I had four ductal carcinomas in situ and one invasive tumour, so I decided on surgery straight away. My colleagues have been so supportive. They messaged me every day and sent me lots of parcels with everything from flowers to socks.”

Sharon organised a pink party in the home’s bistro to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, inviting families to attend and buy cakes to raise money for charity Breast Cancer Now. The event raised £390 and adds to more than £2,000 she and the ten self-entitled ‘Elmbrook Eagles’ have already raised for Cancer Research UK.

Sharon is hoping the pink party will also encourage people to get symptoms checked out if they feel something isn’t right. She added: “One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime so I want more people to be more aware.”