A Richhill mother-of-three who has been raising money for Action Cancer’s ‘Big Bus’ while also battling breast cancer after her own diagnosis has thanked the community for all their support.
Laura McRoberts put her talents to good use and had been crafting houses to sell.
She did so as she wanted to raise money for the ‘Big Bus’, which had diagnosed her own breast cancer in April as she had struggled to secure an appointment with a GP.
Laura had been 39 when she discovered lumps but knew that if she held on until she turned 40 in December past that she could be seen on the Action Cancer bus.
Action Cancer’s screening initiative is free of charge, visiting locations all over Northern Ireland. But it costs £120 for each mammogram carried out.
Laura agreed to speak to Armagh I recently to raise awareness, as she felt that many may not even be aware that the service exists.
She told us then: ““If it saves another wee family going through what my wee family’s going through, by getting it caught sooner, it would mean the world of difference.”
Laura, who lives in Richhill with husband William and their children, six-year-old Mabel, Tommy (9) and Ruby (12), has been putting her talents as a craftswoman to good use in a bid to back Action Cancer’s cause.
She began her MamaDo Crafts business, working from home, about eight years ago.
Despite undergoing chemo, she decided to do what she does best and continue to work and donate the money raised from the houses she made and sold directly to Action Cancer.
Laura has now confirmed they have raised over £2,300 and she has been overwhelmed and delighted to be able to make such a fantastic donation to help fund the ongoing work of the ‘Big Bus’.
Providing an update, Laura took to social media to thank everyone for their support and encouragement, prayer and donations.
“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was absolutely devastating, but I’m a firm believer in trying to bring good out of things and wanted to help in some way,” she wrote.
“I wasn’t well enough to walk or run or any of those impressive fundraising things, but I could make, so I designed these houses.
“I initially made four and wondered if anyone would even buy them. My cancer was found through the Action Cancer ‘Big Bus’, and I was so grateful to the service.
“My goal was to raise awareness of breast cancer and raise £120 to cover the cost of a mammogram which they provide free.
“I’d started intense chemotherapy – they call it ‘Red Devil – and was unwell with it, but I asked God to help me as I knew I couldn’t do it on my own.
“You guys were so kind and encouraging to me, something I’ll never forget. So many of you rallied round us in prayer and continue to do so.
“Some houses were made with different colour ribbons to represent other people’s journeys. Within two to three hours of the post going up, I couldn’t take any more on. Over 100 houses had been ordered.”
The houses were packaged and local DUP MLA Gareth Wilson had volunteered his office as a collection point for people to come and lift orders.
Laura also shared a photograph of herself with the houses, taken by her daughter, which had been intended as a personal image for her children to keep.
But she agreed to let Armagh I publish the picture and tell her story.
Over 1,000 reactions and hundreds of comments followed that story appearing on social media just a fortnight ago, with thousands taking the time to read about Laura and what she was hoping to achieve.
She added: “Armagh I got in touch; sharing this photo was out of my comfort zone, but I was so thankful for their help in raising awareness. If it even prompted one woman, one mummy to get checked early and avoid going through what my wee family was going through, it was worth everything.
“When you see these little houses in your home, my hope is that they will be a reminder to pray for the homes affected by cancer.
“All you incredible people have raised £2306.56. Thank-you so much. This will cover almost 20 mammograms which will save lives, reassure and could mean early detection, better treatment plans and outlooks.”
An incredible achievement and a brilliant gesture that will no doubt make a difference – a huge well done to Laura and our very best wishes in the days ahead!
For more information on Action Cancer’s ‘big bus’, where it is visiting and how to book, visit here.
