Inaugural Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards Celebrates Resilience and Strength

A Mother moved by inspiring life stories of women like her affected by breast cancer has devised a way to commend their courage and spirit.

Sarah Pickles organised the Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards to shine a light on the resilience of those diagnosed with the most common cancer for women and those who support them.

And the first edition was such a resounding success that she plans to do it all over again next year.

“I’m so grateful to everybody who helped make my dream a reality,” she said.

"I have carried the vision for these awards in my heart, and it was a magical moment watching it come to life.

“It was a night where the achievements and dedication of these extraordinary individuals took centre stage, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who attended.”

Sarah, who lives near Middlewich, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2014 at the age of 32.

Her own journey through diagnosis, double mastectomy, and reconstruction allowed her to connect with individuals who had faced similar challenges.

From those conversations she conceived an idea that would become the Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards.

The inaugural ceremony took place at the spectacular Vale Royal Abbey in Whitegate, Northwich, and was hosted by Radio Northwich presenter Kim Smith.

A highlight was the presentation to finalists of a special gift - a butterfly in a box donated by Butterflies for Occasions.

This symbolic gesture represented hope and signified the journey these individuals had embarked on.

The intention is for each butterfly to be released at home as a powerful symbol of transformation and renewal.

Proceeds from the ceremony, which raised £6,000 on the night and will increase by a further £2,500 received for auction prizes, are to be channelled to Simply The Breast, a fundraising initiative Kim started following her own diagnosis with breast cancer and is dedicated to supporting the Mid-Cheshire Hospitals Charity.

Sarah went on to say: “This remarkable gathering was not just about recognition; it was also a fundraiser for a noble cause.

“The ceremony became a testament to the strength and beauty of the countless individuals fluttering like butterflies in the breast cancer community, each making a remarkable impact.”

The 2024 Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards are already in the works and are scheduled to take place on Friday, September 20, again at Vale Royal Abbey.

For more information about the event, ticket sales, and details on how to nominate someone, visit www.sarahepickles.uk

Award Winners and Finalists 2023:

Inspirational Empowerment Award

sponsored by Centre of Excellence

Winner: Julie Grabham

Finalists:

Rebecca Hartley

Estelle Maher

Rebecca Morgan-Brennan

Kristen Hallenga

Innovation Award

sponsored by MGC Aerospace

Winner: Heather Glover (Skarlette)

Finalists:

Hollie McFarlane

Dr Michelle Harvie

Charlotte Wood

Charity Impact Award

sponsored by Aqueous Digital

Winner: Emma Osborne, The Osborne Trust

Finalists:

St Luke’s Hospice

Shine Bright Foundation

CoppaFeel!

Charity Impact Team Award

sponsored by Eaton Homes and Enigma Healthcare

Winner: Prevent Breast Cancer

Finalist: Macmillan Breast Care Team

Transformed Life Award

sponsored by Enigma Healthcare

Winner: Emma Guy

Finalists:

Julie Bright

Marie Cadman

Community Volunteer Award

sponsored by Eaton Homes

Winner: Amanda Johnson

Finalists:

Lily Newman

Sylvia Armstrong

Judges’ Choice

sponsored by Cheshire Life

Winner: Sarah Pickles

Patron Award

sponsored by Sarah E Pickles

Winner: Sue France

Inspirational Community Breast Cancer Champion

sponsored by Layers Treats

Winner: Kim Smith

Other sponsors included: Jacqui O Wedding and Event flowers, Reflect Clinic, Love the Dentist, Get It Off Your Chest: The Funny Side of Breast Cancer podcast, Write Blend, AJ & Friends, Radio Northwich, HIA Design, Qube Luxe, Desired Occasions, Butterflies for Occasions and Universal Live

Breast Reconstruction For Life: New Plastic Surgery Procedure Gives Hope To Breast Cancer Survivors

Liberate Cosmetic Surgery, the UK's largest network of BAAPS and/or BAPRA accredited cosmetic surgeons, has introduced a pioneering micro-surgery that removes excess fat from the inner thighs to reconstruct the breasts following mastectomy procedures. The new technique, known as a TUG (transverse upper gracilis) Flap gives hope to the thousands of women who suffer the trauma of mastectomy following breast cancer.

Liberate cosmetic surgeon Anita Hazari an expert in the TUG Flap procedure explains. “The TUG Flap uses tissue from the upper thigh, just under the groin crease to reconstruct a naturally shaped breast. Patients get an ‘inner thigh lift’ and the skin and fat with the gracilis muscle is detached from its blood supply in the thigh and re-attached to blood vessels in the chest. The operation was only described five years ago in world medical literature and is a relatively new technique. It takes four hours to perform and has a success rate of 99 per cent."

One in ten women have breast reconstruction following a mastectomy and using a woman's own body tissue for the procedure is relatively common, but flesh is usually taken from the stomach, back or buttocks which can leave unsightly scars and is difficult to mould. Flesh from the thigh is soft and can be molded into a natural breast shape and a nipple is made from excess skin when the crescent flap is coned, the new nipple and areola are tattooed at a later date. The benefits of using your own tissue also means that the reconstruction is for life.

Liberate plastic surgeon, Mr Venkat Ramakrishnan an internationally renowned expert in TUG Flap operations who specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery warns, "Don't be tempted into thinking this is the perfect cosmetic surgery operation to create slimmer thighs and larger breasts for normal women. The operation takes 4-6 hours, requires a week's stay in hospital and is costly when compared to a traditional breast implant procedure, but for women who have had a mastectomy this procedure is life changing and restores confidence and dignity."

Victoria Bouck-Standen 32, has a family history of cancer and had both breasts removed following the discovery of a lump. She was one of the first women in the South East of England to undergo the operation and says of her newly reconstructed breasts, "If I put on weight they put on weight and if I lose weight they lose weight! They are nice and soft and natural feeling. I was not in any pain and ten days after the surgery my breasts were completely comfortable"

The TUG Flap costs approx GBP 16,000 and is also available on the NHS for women who have had a mastectomy.

FACTFILE
Liberate is designed as a service which “liberates” the consumer by encouraging access to a cosmetic surgeon from the very first consultation. A belief firmly held by Liberate is that individuals opting for cosmetic surgery should take full control and be confident in their decision.

Without the tools needed to make responsible choices cosmetic surgery can end up costing people financially, physically and psychologically, Liberate aims to give people the power to choose, providing them with a new and safer approach to cosmetic surgery.

For more information, please visit www.liberatecosmeticsurgery.com