Donna Carson was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer ten years ago
A woman from Co Antrim said her friend saved her life by encouraging to go for a check-up. Donna Carson was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer 10 years ago, after a friend and work colleague encouraged her to go for a routine check-up.
Now Donna, who is the Health and Safety Team Leader at Asda Larne, is cancer-free after surgery and 10 years of treatment. The team at the store have raised over £400 for Tickled Pink, the supermarket’s long-running charity campaign which supports charity partners Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel.
The fundraising efforts were boosted by a community tombola and a colleague raffle in store. Speaking about how her friend encouraged her to attend a routine-check up, Donna said: “My good friend at the time was also an Asda Colleague and as we were both over 40 it seemed like a great time to get checked out.
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“I wasn’t all that bothered, but she did go on and on, so to keep her happy I went. About a week later, I got a referral letter to go to the Breast Clinic at a local Hospital. After a few tests I was told I had cancer.”
Following surgery and 10 years of treatment, Donna is now cancer-free and credits her friend’s persistence with saving her life.
She said: “My friend saved my life. I had no lumps or pain and without her making me go for the check it could have been too late by the time I found a lump. So, I would say to anyone: Please go and get checked out, I’m so glad I did!”
Asda Larne’s fundraiser brought colleagues, customers and the wider Larne community together. Representatives from Larne Rugby Club, Larne Football Club, and local MLA Danny Donnelly all showed their support on the day.
Gail Caldwell, Asda Larne Community Champion, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who took part in our fundraiser and donated for such a great cause. Here at Asda Larne, it is very near and dear to our hearts, and we know that resonates with so many of our customers and the local community.
“Donna’s courage and openness have really inspired our team. Her story is a reminder of why awareness and check-ups are so important.”
Asda Tickled Pink is the UK’s longest running corporate charity partnership dedicated to supporting breast cancer charities and has raised more than £100 million since it launched in 1996.
It brings together colleagues, customers and communities to drive change. Funds raised have powered world class research, life-changing support services and vital educational programmes.
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