Julia is saving lives after her cancer battle
The former Countryfile presenter was delighted to learn of the surge in people calling Breast Cancer Now after she filmed a documentary of herself preparing for a mastectomy, writes
JULIA Bradbury’s moving documentary about her cancer battle prompted a massive surge in the number of people calling Breast Cancer Now’s helpline.
Calls to the charity increased by 21 per cent after the former Countryfile presenter’s Breast Cancer and Me documentary went out on April 28.
The hour-long film followed Julia, 51, as she came to terms with her breast cancer diagnosis and prepared to undergo a single mastectomy.
Breast Cancer Now’s team of expert nurses picked up the phone to an influx of callers who were seeking information and advice around topics that Julia touched upon.
More than 100 people also signed up to make monthly donations to the charity after watching an advert which aired in the commercial break.
Julia, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2021 and had to have a 6cm tumour removed from her left breast, is delighted the programme made such a huge impact.
She said: “It was never the documentary that I wanted to make, but before my breast cancer diagnosis was confirmed, I had started charting the discovery of a lump in my left breast on social media and in the press, to encourage women (and men) to check themselves and attend screening programmes if they were offered. It was a
It was a big decision to make such a personal film
big decision to go on to make such a personal film, especially when my family and I were going through so much, but my motivation was to raise awareness of this devastating disease, and I hoped that by giving an open and honest account of my experiences I could help others affected by breast cancer to feel less alone.” The mum-of-three, who grew up in Dublin, added: “I’m proud of the film; the team have done a brilliant job capturing the emotional and psychological impact that a cancer diagnosis can have on a family, and I know that Breast Cancer and Me has helped other people on their own breast cancer journeys.
I’m delighted that the documentary has prompted more people to seek information and support from Breast Cancer Now and that it moved people to set up regular donations to the charity.
“This money will help the charity fund more breast cancer research and vital support services that are so desperately needed.”
Rachael Franklin, director of fundraising, communications and engagement at Breast Cancer Now, said: “We’re so grateful that, through Breast Cancer and Me, Julia has shone a spotlight on topics that women contact us for support around every day.
“Sharing her experience, Julia prompted more women to reach out to us for information and support via our website and our Helpline.”