Giving hope to those affected
by secondary breast cancer

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2 years on

25th May 2020 News

M2C champions at Parliment

 

Looking back at the 29th May 2018, it's hard to believe that Make 2nds Count is 2 years old! I will never forget my husband Euan's reaction when I turned to him mid-chemotherapy in 2017 and told him that I wanted to make a change and set up a charity to fund research for secondary breast cancer. He thought I was crazy! Yet Euan along with so many of our friends and family rallied to turn the initial vision into a reality.

We were overwhelmed by the generosity and support that we were met with. From our usher, Ross, creating the branding; our family, friends (both from our childhood and the present day) taking part in fundraising efforts; local businesses such as EGG, Black Ivy and The Pantry Group hosting events in those first few months; and, of course, James Thomson and the team at Prestonfield House for hosting the launch event and our inaugural gala ball. Make 2nds Count quickly became a small charity with a big vision. 

 

 

 



Supported by our highly experienced and committed board, in two years we have raised almost £500,000, an amount that was beyond any expectations that we ever had. Of course, this could not have been achieved without the support of every single person who has either donated or fundraised for us.
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In our first year, Make 2nds Count donated over £150,000 to support a pioneering research project at the University of Edinburgh’s Breast Cancer Translational Research Group at the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre.

Led by Academic Consultant Medical Oncologist Dr Olga Oikonomidou, the study will help us better understand secondary breast cancer by identifying the specific gene changes, or mutations, that drive cancer cell growth in individual patients.

Further information on the project can be found here Research 

In late 2019 as a board we took the decision to employ a small team to allow us to turn our vision into a reality. We were delighted to be joined by Emma Hall in the role of Head of Fundraising, an experienced fundraiser with over 10 years of experience in the charity sector.  Emma brought with her a wealth of experience and has become an integral part of the Make 2nds Count team. Supported recently by Fiona Doig (Community Fundraiser) and Emma Bashford (Partnerships and Events), the operational team work incredibly hard to turn my on occasion 'crazy' ideas into a reality. 

 

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Patients and their families have always been at the heart of Make 2nds Count and in the first quarter of this year the team have turned their attention to implementing a support programme in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With a focus on quality of life, our support programme helps patients and families affected by this incurable disease by informing, sharing and offering practical advice & support. More information on this programme can be found here Support 

Our dedicated team of patient champions work with us to ensure that we are listening to the secondary breast cancer community and supporting them in the best possible way.
 
I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved and on behalf of the board and team members I would like to thank you once again for your continued support. 
We have a long way to go, with approximately 55,000 people living with the disease in the UK and, on average, 1,000 deaths per month. There is still no cure and secondary breast cancer remains the 'forgotten form' of the disease. 
This must change and I know that with your continued support we can keep working together to Make 2nds Count. 
Thank you all. 
Lisa