A DOCTOR whose sister has been diagnosed with breast cancer is among staff at a surgery doing all they can to raise money for a new dedicated breast unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Dr Susanna Everitt, one of the doctors at Upton Surgery in Tunnel Hill, Upton-upon- Severn, is just one of a number of staff to give their backing to the Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign, but she says it is the generosity of patients which has really impressed her and others.

Staff and patients have raised £425 in just one day towards the £2.5 million dedicated breast unit, with more events planned through the year.

Dr Everitt, whose sister Candida Connolly was diagnosed with breast cancer last Christmas, said about 500 people came through the doors to get their flu jab and staff decided to make the most of the opportunity to raise money for the unit.

Nurses dressed in pink tutus for the eye-catching fund-raiser.

She said: “All of the patients knew somebody who had had breast cancer. We were amazed by their generosity. They were so willing to support such a worthwhile cause. Because my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer the cause is very close to my heart.

“It is a very exciting project and we feel all our primary care patients will benefit hugely. When we have a lot of patients through the doors, people only have to put in 50p or £1 to make a huge difference.

“If everyone gives just a little bit the money can be quickly gathered.”

A collection will take place on every Saturday during the flu jab sessions. There is also a Christmas fair at the surgery on Friday, December 11, at 7pm, which will include a raffle, tombola, auction of pledges and a cake stall.

Your Worcester News is backing the campaign until the money for the unit has been raised. The new unit will mean breast clinics are together in a one-stop shop for patients.