‘Breast of Friends’, the King’s Lynn registered charity, is run by a committee of generous volunteers.
Last year the hospital’s Cancer Care Unit was refurbished to create an uplifting environment to support the 12,000 patients that use it every year. The Breast of Friends helped make this possible with their fundraising efforts alongside other contributors.
The charity has also donated money to help purchase a specialist reclining couch for the Breast Care Unit at the Trust to make patients more comfortable.
The remainder of the money has been used to purchase 108 specialist post-surgery bras for patients who have needed to have breast removal surgery, called a mastectomy.
Claire Ling, Breast of Friends Chair Trustee, said: “Raising money is incredibly humbling and emotional for everyone involved with Breast of Friends, and for me personally. Having received treatment from both the breast and cancer care units at the hospital, I’ve seen first-hand how vital these services are.
“Knowing that the generosity of our supporters is directly helping the same units that supported me makes this achievement even more special. It’s a powerful reminder of what a community can achieve together.
“Becoming a registered charity is an important milestone for Breast of Friends, strengthening our ability to secure funding and continue supporting local Breast Care and Cancer Care patients.”
The group have dedicated their time to an action-packed calendar of events including brave sky dives, fun drag brunches, creative craft fairs and the charity’s annual ball which took place in October.
Dawn Collins, Interim Chief Nurse at The QEH, said: “Funds such as this are used to go above and beyond the care that the NHS can provide. Thanks to the Breast of Friends charity every patients mastectomy receive a specialist bra after their surgery which is specially designed with discreet pockets to securely hold silicone breast prostheses. These bras make a difference for patients at a vulnerable time.”
The charity has also created a Kindness Corner in the hospital’s Cancer Care Unit, offering small thoughtful gifts for patients. Items are donated include toiletries, silk pillowcases, handwarmers, anti-sickness bracelets and puzzles. All donated with cancer patients needs in mind.
The Breast of Friends charity is continuing their work, with their first event of 2026 being casino night, which raised over £2,000. For more information about the charity, upcoming events, or to find out how to donate, visit https://breastoffriends.co.uk/
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Notes to editors;
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About QEHKL Charity: QEHKL Charity plays a vital role in supporting The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn. The charity raises funds for medical equipment, research, services, and facilities that directly benefit patients and their families. With its support, QEHKL can provide high-quality care, expand services, and improve the hospital experience for those in need.
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