Gill Neale’s daughter Rebecca was just 26 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at Christmas in 2006.

“It really shook our world,” says Gill who lives in Lower Parkstone. “As a mother you never expect your daughter to be diagnosed with something like that. You tend to think of it as something that affects older women.”

Although it has now been seven years since Rebecca’s diagnosis, Gill is keen to help support other young women diagnosed with breast cancer.

“My daughter was put on a five-year treatment programme and with the support from Breast Cancer Care we got through it.

“Most of the other charities are research based, but Breast Cancer Care offers emotional support with one to one help and website forums for young women. I want to be able to help other people who might find themselves in the same situation.”

Gill is supporting the charity’s new Strawberry Tea campaign which is encouraging Echo readers to get together with friends and family to host a fundraising strawberry tea party between June 1 and August 31.

All you need to do is to buy or bake some cakes, add some strawberries and put the kettle on.

“My daughter is now 33 years old and married but breast cancer is affecting more and more young women and men too,” says Gill.

“But I want to show that you can get through it with the right support and information.”

Last year Gill held a strawberry tea at her tennis club in Branksome Park and raised £600.

Gill adds: “It doesn’t have to be a big event – just a few friends and family.

But the more people we can encourage to host a strawberry tea party this summer the more money we can raise to help anyone affected by breast cancer.”

Gill is also interested to hear from anyone who would like to support the work of Breast Cancer Care locally, please email gilly.neale@homecall.co.uk

  • For a free Strawberry Tea fundraising pack, visit breastcancercare.org.uk/ SUMMER or call 0870 164 9422.