Peterborough women unite for It's a Girl Thing

When most of the female workforce of Greenwoods in Peterborough united to launch our It's a Girl Thing campaign, friends Carol Core and Tess Lankfer were keen to be among them.

The two pals from Peterborough are both living with secondary cancer after having breast cancer and are urging locals to raise money for vital research.

Carol and Tess joined a crowd dressed in pink to pose for the camera in the shape of a pink ribbon – symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

People dressed in pink in a ribbon shape on the street

Carol's story

Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995. Her mother and aunt both died of breast cancer, and Carol was found to have the BRCA2 gene.

After a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she enjoyed nearly ten years of good health before being diagnosed with secondary cancer.

Two years ago doctors told Carol she had only three months to live, but thanks to additional chemotherapy she is still going strong.

Carol is also heavily involved in the breast cancer support group she established in Peterborough.

"People are scared of secondary cancer, but Tess and I are proof you can still have a good life for a long time," said Carol.

Tess's story

Carol's friend Tess, 40, a mother of three from Folksworth, is currently being treated for secondary breast cancer that has spread to her lungs and bones.

Tess was originally diagnosed on her 33rd birthday in 2001 after finding a lump in her left breast. Despite undergoing a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she was diagnosed with secondary tumours in 2004.

"I was very frightened at first, so I joined a local support group, which is where I met Carol. The two of us became firm friends, and I now have a very positive outlook on life – I have even learnt to ride a motorbike!" said Tess.

Help us beat breast cancer

Our It's a girl thing campaign aims to make all women aware of their risk of breast cancer and raise vital funds to help beat the disease.

Get involved and organise your own pink fundraising event, and help us beat breast cancer for all the important women in your life.

Whatever you choose to do, we've got lots of fundraising ideas to inspire you and to get you started!