WHEN Ann Sharp was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, she tried not to dwell on the negative aspects of the disease.

"I was excused household chores like ironing and vacuuming for a period, so there were plusses too!" she jokes.

But on a serious note, the grandmother of five is well aware of just how lucky she was.

While her cancer was classed as grade three, it was very small and had not spread into her lymph nodes.

"I was extremely fortunate that my mammogram came round at the right time, as I did not have any outward symptoms," the 60-year-old of Leigh said. "The cancer was removed and I had a course of radiotherapy. I know how fortunate I was - the whole episode hardly interrupted my life. There were one or two things I didn't do for a few months like picking up my grandchildren and throwing the ball for the dog, but hey - I got out of the ironing and vacuuming."

Ann was supported by her husband, family and friends and is now comforted by the on-going monitoring she is receiving from Worcestershire Royal Hospital to ensure that if the cancer does return it will be picked up quickly.

And she is so grateful for the support of her consultant surgeon at the Royal, Steven Thrush, that she is now doing all she can to raise money towards a dedicated breast cancer unit that he wants to see built. Ann, along with friends Deborah Stern and Lynne Craig - who have also both been successfully treated for breast cancer - are holding a fashion show during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this month at Robert Stern BMW garage in Wainwright Road.

While undergoing her treatment, Ann discovered that Mr Thrush was very keen to establish a dedicated unit at Worcester so that more of the procedures could be carried out there. Ann had to travel to Bromsgrove for her biopsy, Worcestershire Royal for surgery and Cheltenham for radiotherapy and then back to Worcester for after-care. She said: "While I have nothing but praise for the treatment I received at Bromsgrove and Cheltenham, I know that such a unit at Worcester would be beneficial as the intention is that this will be a unit where more procedures can be carried out locally.

"Such a dedicated unit would be a tremendous asset in not only meeting the diagnosis, conventional treatment and follow-up visits, but would also meet the equally important emotional and cosmetic needs of the patients.

"All these are important elements of care that are not always available in normal busy hospital environments. What a wonderful gift such a unit would be for all the existing and future breast cancer patients of Worcestershire."

Ann said she has been impressed with Deborah's energetic approach to life and support she has given during the organisation of the show on Monday, October 16.

Both Ann and Deborah agree that when you receive the kind of attention they both had, it is almost a compulsion to want to put something back into the system.

Also key to the fashion show is Lynne Craig, of Lynne Craig, Friar Street, who will be unveiling her collection of labels for all ages and for all events. She has experience of of organising such an event as she held a fashion show eight years ago to celebrate the completion of her chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment and raised £10,000.

Ann said she and Deborah would also like to thank all their sponsors.

"Our target is £15,000 and this will not be achieved without their financial support," she added.

"We have been grateful for the positive responses. There are so few of us whose lives have not in some way been touched by breast cancer."

The event starts at 7.30pm with a champagne reception. Tickets can be obtained from Lynne Craig's shop in Friar Street, on 01905 28814, Deborah Stern on 01905 459600 or Ann Sharp 01886 833844.