Falkirk councillor's sisters' cancer diagnoses inspired charity fundraiser

Councillor Lorna Binnie’s sisters, Lucy and Liz, were both diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and, while both are now recovering well, their very different stories show how it can affect women in many ways.

Liz McEvoy, 74, is full of praise for how sister Lucy Parry, 66, has coped with her treatment which included a double mastectomy.

“She has been a miracle!” she said. “She has gone through a lot more than I have but she’s just been marvellous.”

It was Lucy’s diagnosis that prompted Liz to get checked out when she felt pain under her arm, although this turned out to be unrelated.

But she is very grateful to the doctor who realised that there could be something else wrong and sent her for a mammogram, which is when the cancer was found.

“Every woman should get tested!” the sisters say.

Liz was able to be treated through a lumpectomy – which removes only the unhealthy tissue – and she was lucky enough not to need further treatment such as radiotherapy.

While Lucy has had a very difficult time as she went through surgery and treatment, she says she “can’t fault” the oncology staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, who are “absolutely fantastic” and “always laughing and smiling!”

Both sisters say that support from family and friends has been crucial to getting through the difficult times and insist that “you’ve just got to be positive and get on with it”.

Cllr Binnie says that her sisters’ diagnosis has made her realise just how many women have been affected by breast cancer and also how important it is to seek help as early as possible.

She says she loves her sisters’ resilience and the spirit they have shown.

“We always support each other as best we can,” she added.

“But I’d say to women that if they are unsure about any issues with their breasts to go to a doctor as soon as possible and if they get any invites to go for a mammogram, don’t put it off.

“We are all very busy in our lives, but your health is your number one priority, without that you’ve got nothing.”

The Falkirk South councillor thanked the family and friends who helped her organise the afternoon tea as well as the support shown by those who came along, helping to raise £550 for the charity Breast Cancer Now.

“There’s a lot of energy there when women support other women – it lets you know that you’re not alone and that’s important,” said Lorna.

Breast Cancer Now asked people to hold afternoon teas in August to raise funds for vital research and Lorna’s event was one of thousands across the UK this month.

Breast cancer is most common in women over 50 but it can also affect younger women and, while it is very rare, men can get it.

The charity advises that the sooner breast cancer is found, the more successful treatment is likely to be.

Its advice is to use TLC: Touch your chest so you know what is normal; Look for changes; and Check with a GP if there is anything new or unusual.