Breast cancer survivor makes a splash with charity’s ducks

Oct 5 2010 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A PERTHSHIRE breast cancer survivor made a splash at Cancer Research UK’s shop in Pitlochry when she launched the charity’s new range of ‘designer’ rubber ducks.

Jan McNeill (56), who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, raised more than £3500 for the charity by arranging for her friend and ‘Loose Women’ star Jane McDonald to perform a special concert in Aberfeldy recently.

Yesterday Jan put the spotlight on Cancer Research UK’s limited-edition ducks, designed by Barbara Windsor and Hollywood star Minnie Driver.

The ducks are on sale priced £4.99, to raise money for Cancer Research UK’s breast cancer awareness and fund-raising campaign, ‘Join the fight for women’s survival.’

Jan, who spent a career singing on cruise ships and is now president of the Aberfeldy and District Inner Wheel, was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2007.

She has been treated successfully with surgery followed by chemotherapy and then radiotherapy.

She said: “My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago, so I thought I might be at risk, and when I was invited for screening I knew I had to go.

“Then, when I was recalled for more tests after the screening, I knew that something really wasn’t right.

“Waiting for the test results was the longest and most difficult week of my life. Although I thought I was ready for the worst, nothing could have prepared me for being told I had breast cancer.

“It was really difficult, but the care and support I had throughout my treatment was tremendous.”

Jan was admitted to Ninewells in Dundee for surgery which was followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

She continued: “The operation lasted 12 hours and was exhausting, but everything went according to plan and I was just so happy that my cancer had been caught in time.

“Chemotherapy was difficult as I lost my hair, but I found some great wigs which really helped keep my spirits high.

“Keeping positive throughout my treatment wasn’t always easy, but it was so important, and I owe my family, friends and all my medical team a massive debt of thanks for the help they gave me.

“I am living proof that research into breast cancer leads to effective treatments and saves lives. But this research is very expensive so Cancer Research UK needs everyone in Perthshire to raise money to fund its doctors, nurses and scientists who are working on the front line against the disease.”

The limited-edition ducks are the perfect addition to any bathroom and come with important information on how to be breast aware.

Minnie Driver’s duck is called ‘Henrietta’ – it is pink, the colour traditionally associated with breast cancer awareness; Barbara Windsor’s duck is ‘Flora’ – a vibrant yellow, in the style of a traditional rubber duck, with brightly coloured flowers, designed to represent hope.

Jan concluded: “These ducks look gorgeous but have an important message too, as they remind women to be breast aware.”

The limited-edition ducks are available from Cancer Research UK shops or on-line at www.shoptobeatcancer.org.uk