Breakthrough Breast Cancer Isle of Man Group was founded by Jan Brooks and Barbara Thorn in 1992. The committee of 11 members are all volunteers, who with much enthusiasm raised an amazing £1,651,331.78 million pounds over the 23 years of operation.
During this time we campaigned for services here in the Isle of Man, raised funds, and raised awareness. We educated people at social groups and schools to teach others what they should be checking for – TLC – Touch Look and Check.
This work will continue as before, but under a new charity Breast Cancer Now. Find out more about the new charity here.
Looking back of our achievements, here are some of our most notable.
The Bra Dash – a unique event started by our current chairwoman Angie Aire is an annual event taking place in the spring, where upwards of 100 people race through the streets of Douglas, Castletown, Ramsay and Peel wearing their bras to raise money. This event has raised over £160,000 in the 11 years it’s been running. The Bra Dash will continue raising funds for Breast Cancer Now in 2016.
Olga’s Coffee Morning – this annual event will continue and is the first event taking place under the new charity Breast Cancer Now Isle of Man. Check the events section for details.
Douglas Dip – started off with 11 people, this event grew over the years to see over 100 people annually braving the cold waters of the Irish sea every New Year’s Day since 2012!
The Snaefell Sleepover – another unique event consisting of over 50 supporters camping out without tents on the top of Snaefell Mountain, Isle of Man. This event alone raised an amazing £23,334, which was split between Breakthrough and the new breast cancer unit at Nobles hospital.
Other annual events included the Valentine’s Ball, Stepout for Breakthrough walk and our annual stall for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. All of these events and more will continue, so please show your support. If we all act now, we believe that by 2050 everyone who develops breast cancer will live. Help us achieve that goal!