COLD FEET’S MY CANCER LIFE-SAVER
SHOW DIAGNOSIS PROMPTS MUM TO VISIT DOCTOR Lynsey had previously just ignored lump in her breast
A mum has told how Cold Feet star Fay Ripley saved her life after she went to the doctor about a breast lump.
The eighth series of the programme saw Fay’s character, Jenny Gifford, break down in tears after being given the devastating news she had breast cancer.
The storyline had a powerful impact on Lynsey Haggarty, from Bearsden, Glasgow, who found a lump in her breast.
Mum-of-two Lynsey, 39, was diagnosed with an aggressive type of breast cancer which had been caught at an early stage.
Business banking manager Lynsey said: “I found the lump early on in January but didn’t really think too much of it.
“I was only 37 at the time and didn’t think you could get breast cancer at 37. But I’ve always watched Cold Feet and the breast cancer storyl ine really caught my attention.
“Fay Ripley’s character was younger as well – pre-50.
“I remember watching and thinking, ‘I’ve got a wee lump actual ly. Maybe I should get it checked.’
“The show prompted me to go to the doctors. Thank goodness for Cold Feet.”
Fay has told how she felt very emotional hearing Lynsey’s story.
The actress said: “I feel incredibly moved every time I hear the experiences of women l ike Lynsey who, after watching my breast cancer storyline on Cold Feet, checked their breasts and got a new or unusual change checked out.”
After her diagnosis, Lynsey underwent chemotherapy, followed by a lumpectomy and radiotherapy.
As Lynsey recovered, she took part in
a sponsored skydive to raise money for charity.
She was also selected to appear as a model in last year’s Breast Cancer Now Scotland fashion show but it had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.
Lynsey, who benefited from the charity’s Moving Forward course, said: “The coronavirus has halted so many fundraising events but it’s just as important now – perhaps even more so – that the work of Breast Cancer Now continues to be supported.”
Breast Cancer Now run an online Moving Forward course, thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, to help people diagnosed with breast cancer adjust to life after treatment.