Buckie and District Cancer Support Group boosted by mum-of-two with terminal cancer’s fundraiser
A mother-of-two with terminal cancer has raised a five-figure sum for a voluntary group that has supported her through two heartwrenching diagnoses.
Buckie woman Emma Byrne was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age 32.
She recovered and was living life “as normal”, before a heartbreaking re-diagnosis in 2022.
Emma, who works at St Peter’s Nursery, said the hardest part was telling her family - especially her daughter Elise (16) and son Riley (13) - that her cancer had returned.
“That conversation with the kids breaks your heart,” she said. “And then I broke the news to my family.
“They have all been a great support. I have an incredible group of friends and family.
“The original diagnosis was a huge shock. Cancer is not something that runs in the family and it came out of nowhere. I was in hospital with a bladder issue when they found the lump.
“It was devastating but I remained positive through chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. I was cancer-free the following year and appreciated every minute of living a normal life.”
Unfortunately, just months before her 40th birthday, Emma was given the news that her cancer had returned - and was in her spine and pelvis. A second diagnosis of the same cancer means it’s non-curable - but Emma added that she “lives in hope”.
The 41-year-old maintains that the best way to deal with the situation is to smile, speak up and do something positive.
“There are plenty of people willing to listen if you are going through a diagnosis,” she said.
“It's really hard, but it’s best to be open, speak to people and have a positive outlook.
“You can shut off and say 'why me?' but it’s best to do something positive and spread awareness.
That mentality has inspired Emma to raise around £40,000 for cancer charities. An event she hosted herself at the Fisherman’s Hall raised £20,000 alone - all of which is going to Buckie and District Cancer Support Group.
The ‘pink pyjamas’ ladies day invited women of all ages to come out and celebrate in their comfies, while raising awareness of breast cancer.
Emma was blown away by the support the event - the first she has organised herself - received.
“The response was… yeah, wow. Businesses’ support was phenomenal,” she said.
“We had nearly 250 prizes, including designer handbags, perfume and gift vouchers up to £150, donated.
“We had 200 tickets and they sold in a matter of hours. I didn’t have to advertise them because I got such a good response.
“It’s a small community put they pull through every time for charity.”
She added: “I wanted to do something for Buckie and District Cancer Support Group as they have been such a support for us and other families.
“There are still a lot of people that don’t know what the group does - had we have had a few extra people join since the ladies day.
“The group offers moral and financial support for people going through chemo and radiotherapy in Aberdeen. It’s a great group. I’ve now joined the committee.”
The pink pyjamas event raised £17,000 on the day - a number which was topped up to £20,000 by a generous donation from Emma’s cousin Vee Thom. The final total going into the charity’s coffers will be £21,600 thanks to another business’ donation.
“I said if we make £10,000 then that would be great,” she said. “But it just kept going up and up.
“It will be supporting families. It will support families for more than a year.”
Buckie and District Cancer Support Group helps people from Portgordon to Cullen and the surrounding area deal with a cancer diagnosis. Their volunteer drivers help with transport to appointments and finance overnight stays at Clan Haven.
The group hosts a support meeting on the last Wednesday of the month that around 35 people attend. It’s open to anyone affected by cancer.
Emma wished to thank a number of people. Her daughter - who attended the ladies’ day - and husband Paul and mum Elza Mair.
Her cousin Sharon helped organise the event and Vee Thom, another cousin, was thanked for her donation of more than £2000.
Lisa Davidson from Thistle Bar in Buckie donated free drinks for the event.
On the event returning, Emma finished: “It was a lot of work behind the scenes, so I will how my health goes.
“If everything is okay then watch this space!”
