Breast Friends York

07/06/2026

On the final day of National Volunteers Week 2026 we have a message for our volunteers. We simply couldn't do it without you.

06/06/2026

🌟 Volunteers’ Week 🌟

This Volunteers’ Week, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible people who give their time, energy, and compassion to make a difference in the lives of others.

Today we’d like to shine a spotlight on our founding trustee, Zoe Bounds, who was recognised last night as a nominee in the York Mix Local Hero Awards.

Zoe’s care, compassion, and unwavering dedication have helped make Breast Friends York the supportive, welcoming community it is today. As a peer-to-peer support group for those affected by breast cancer, Breast Friends York provides friendship, understanding, and a safe space for people who truly understand the journey.

From coordinating our evening meet-ups over coffee and cake to personally welcoming every new member who walks through the door, Zoe goes above and beyond to ensure nobody feels alone. Her kindness, empathy, and genuine commitment to supporting others have touched countless lives across York and beyond.

Quite simply, Zoe is the heart and soul of everything Breast Friends York stands for – friendship, support, understanding, hope, and community.

Despite not being crowned Volunteer of the year, we are incredibly proud of you, Zoe, and grateful for everything you do. Thank you for making such a difference to so many people.

Please join us in congratulating Zoe on her nomination and celebrating all the amazing volunteers who give so much of themselves to help others.

04/06/2026

June Pillow Workshop took place on Wednesday 3rd June. There was 15 of us beavering away and we made 86 in the 4 hours we had. Also we have 15 sewn and ready for stuffing next time and 55 ready to sew. Also material already marked up and ready to be cut.

We are so lucky to have the volunteers we have and as it’s National Volunteer Week we say a huge thank-you to them. They work so hard and give their time to make the cushions which are given out to breast cancer patients at York Hospital.

01/06/2026

Macmillan Cancer Support and the Royal College of Pharmacy want to hear about your experience of taking and managing medicines during cancer care, especially if you take have other health conditions and take several medicines.
Your answers will help improve the support, information and care offered to people affected by cancer.
Who can take part:
Adults living in the UK who are affected by cancer and other long‑term conditions and who currently take one or more medicines.
The survey is anonymous and takes about 7 minutes.
Deadline: 8pm on Monday 8th June 2026
Take the survey: Patient survey

26/05/2026

Today Zoe and I had a date at York
Hospital, an invite from MacMillan who were hosting a special event to celebrate the redevelopment.

Neither were sure what was happening, though when the briefing note came to say if greeting the VIP, you may wish to observe the traditional form of a small curtsy or a slight bow of the head, though this is entirely optional, we thought it must be someone.

So the question was who was it to be, as ever I did some investigating and saw that King Charles was the patron of MacMillan, but then saw he was in Norfolk this week. So ruled him out, then something popped up on Facebook which led me back to thinking it was him again. Zoe and I worked out our outfits and headed to the hospital. The roads were so quiet and I got a parking spot at the back of the hospital straight away.

We went into meet the MacMillan delegation and told it was the King. At 12.25 we were taken through the hospital, past the crowds and checked in on a sheet. We were then ushered into 3 horseshoes in readiness for the King to come down the stairs at 13:08. We all had our fans and were desperately trying to keep cool. He finally emerged and one of our Breast Friend Buddy’s managed to film us. We were told strictly no selfies! Zoe and I both got the chance to introduce ourselves and have a small chat with him.

And just like that it was all over and the hospital went back to its normal duties 🥰 Lucy Hart

21/05/2026

21/05/2026

Yesterday we made the Front Page of The Press, Browns Department Stores hold a fashion show every year for us, it’s our biggest fundraising event. Sara Murphy and Liz Redfern work so hard to co-ordinate the event and the 15 models have all had breast cancer. We all love doing it too 🥰❤️

21/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GRiSqUrrm/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Join our yoga classes, completely free of charge! 🧘‍♂️

Led by our instructor Emma, these sessions take place every Friday from 2pm–3pm and are designed to support both body and mind for cancer patients.

Emma can help you connect with your body through gentle movement, building strength, improving wellbeing and exploring positions that may help ease pain or discomfort. All exercises can be adapted to suit individual needs and abilities 💙

Find out more on our website 👉 https://thelevesoncentre.org.uk/our-support/