Celebrating 25 years of incredible support from Bosom Buddies

This year marks an incredible milestone – 25 years of support from Bosom Buddies to our Breast Unit Fund, a wonderful group that has been raising funds to help transform breast cancer care at Royal Surrey’s Breast Unit.

From their very first ladies’ night fundraiser 25 years ago to their continued dedication today, Bosom Buddies have made a lasting difference to thousands of patients. Their generosity has helped fund vital equipment, supported life-changing research, and ensured that our Breast Unit remains at the forefront of care and innovation.

Gill Craig from Bosom Buddies said: 

“Over the years, we have done many things to raise funds for the Breast Unit Fund at Royal Surrey. Bosom Buddies began as an informal group that eventually evolved into a fundraising group. The now famous Ladies Night organised by Marie has lasted the longevity of time and is the cornerstone of the fundraising. We are very proud of the excellent team at Royal Surrey Breast Unit and very pleased to be able to support the fantastic work they do.”

Thanks to their fundraising, Royal Surrey became a leading centre in a major national study exploring how to reduce the amount of surgery patients need under the arm after breast cancer diagnosis – helping to improve recovery and quality of life. Today, our teams are building on that progress through new studies that continue to refine and personalise treatment for every patient.

With Bosom Buddies’ support, the Breast Unit has also introduced an innovative online family history tool that helps identify women at higher risk of developing breast cancer. This means that patients can access tailored screening and genetic testing more easily, allowing for earlier detection and better outcomes.

Their fundraising has also helped us to invest in state-of-the-art imaging equipment, including advanced 3D mammography and contrast-enhanced scans, which help detect cancers earlier and more accurately – particularly in younger women and those with dense breast tissue. 

Over the past years, they have raised around a quarter of a million pounds for Royal Surrey Charity’s Breast Unit Fund. 

Jon Horsnell, Clinical Director and Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at Royal Surrey’s Breast Unit, said:

“It is tough getting a breast cancer diagnosis, but thanks to continued fundraising by the Bosom Buddies and donations to the Royal Surrey Charity’s Breast Unit Fund, we can offer each breast cancer patient the best and most up to date care possible.”

You can also make a difference for people living with breast conditions across Surrey and beyond. 

Donate now