Suffolk woman raises £4k for Breast Cancer Now just months after her diagnosis

Why it matters: Diagnosed at 26, Megan Baggiony-Taylor is using her experience to urge everyone to check their chest regularly, as she raises money to support others affected by breast cancer.

The details: Rounders Against Breast Cancer took place recently at Freston Village Hall, with more than 100 people attending, including Suffolk Police.

As well as the rounders match, there was a raffle and games. Rince Physiotherapy set up a sports massage tent. Megan, who works for Suffolk New College, organised the day with her partner Thomas Cornock, a sport assistant and assistant house parent at the Royal Hospital School.

The big picture: Megan was diagnosed earlier this year and is recovering from surgery. Three weeks before the fun day, her doctors told her she would need a second operation, which ended up taking place three days before the event.

"I was so pleased that the event was still able to take place, and whilst I was unable to take part in the rounders tournament, watching everyone have fun, show up, and donate meant the world to me and is something I will never forget," she said.

What they're saying: Thomas said: "It was an amazing day, and it was incredible to see the number of people who came out to support Megan. Seeing the number of people who love her was emotional."

He added: "Megan was diagnosed on the last day of the school term. At the time of her appointment, we didn't believe it would be anything sinister, but unfortunately that quickly became her reality. Watching her strength, determination, and ability to remain a shining light of positivity has inspired me more than ever."

Megan said: "My diagnosis came as the biggest shock, and I am still in some disbelief, but I want to keep positive and do what I can to raise awareness. The journey ahead will be tough, but I will not give up."

Mia Zanuttini, community fundraising executive at Breast Cancer Now, said: "We want to say a huge thank you to Megan for organising her Rounders Against Breast Cancer event to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Now."

She added that the money raised "will help fund our pioneering research and specialist support for people affected by this devastating disease, which remains as important and urgent as ever."

By the numbers:

• Around 55,000 women and 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year.
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK.
• One in seven women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

In her words: "If I could give one message to everyone it would be to check your chest, women or man, young or old, just check. It takes five minutes, in the shower, before bed, at the start of every month. Just check."

The bottom line: Months after her diagnosis, and just days after a second operation, Megan has helped raise more than £4,000 for breast cancer research and support, while urging everyone to take five minutes a month to check their chest.

Don't forget: If you enjoy our content, please add Ipswich.co.uk as a "preferred source" on Google so you can easily find more of the content you value.

This article cost us ~£21 to produce

It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our two community impact partners: local contractor Barnes Construction, and flat roof waterproofing and design firm Axter. Please support us by supporting them.