Poyntzpass Silver Band gets behind Elaine’s early detection drive

Elaine Loughlin’s cancer journey has taught her to live to the full and appreciate every day.

The mum-of-three credits Action Cancer with saving her life. She is now an ambassador for the charity and passionate about promoting their “fantastic” work.

Action Cancer is Northern Ireland’s leading cancer charity. Its mission is to save lives and support local people through cancer awareness, prevention, detection and support.

Elaine told the Chronicle: “My own journey began in May 2019.

“A very good friend of mine received a diagnosis in October 2018. We have a group of high school friends that meet up regularly and I had made a promise to this friend that I would get a mammogram organised.

“Until this, it hadn't crossed my mind and I had no concerns, but because I made the promise I went looking for an appointment.

“I was going to Balmoral Show and saw that the Action Cancer big bus would be there.

“I made the appointment for the middle of the day, went and got the mammogram done and then went back to see around the show.

“I never thought anything more about it as I, honestly, felt I had nothing to worry about.

“Then, three weeks later, I got the letter to say that ‘further investigations were required’.”

As a single mum to three boys, then aged 18, 17 and 10, Elaine’s life was turned upside down.

By mid-June she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and, on July 1, she had a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy.

Elaine was fortunate to have fantastic support from her family and friends to help her through her cancer battle, as well as the “amazing” team at Action Cancer.

“I shared my story far and wide in the hope of raising awareness of the importance of early detection,” she revealed.

“If by doing this, I help to save even one life, then that is great.

“My oncologist told me that, only for my early detection, I would not have been able to celebrate my 50th birthday.

“I was 45 when diagnosed, and that was such an eye opener for me - it doesn't bear thinking about.

“I was asked to become an ambassador for Action Cancer and I couldn’t refuse. Awareness is the key and early detection is vital.”

Elaine now has a new outlook on life: “I celebrated my 50th birthday last year and I live life to the full, appreciating every day.

“I’d encourage any woman between 40 and 50, or over 70, to get checked. This is what raising funds for Action Cancer goes towards, as well as other health checks.”

Elaine has been a member of Poyntzpass Silver Band for 40 years and, this year, the band has chosen Action Cancer as its charity partner.

“I was very passionate that it would be Action Cancer and the committee agreed,” Elaine continued.

“It’s an opportunity to give something back as they saved my life.

“We have a wonderful team in the band and they are like a second family.”

The band recently held a coffee morning in the village legion hall, with everyone pulling out all the stops to ensure it was a superb success.

“Once the date was set it was all systems go! There is nothing that is ever too much for the members - they are an amazing bunch.

“We not only had contributions from members, but also sponsors from local businesses and even friends of the band donated scones and food - it was a real community effort.

“The actual day was a massive success with the band members on hand to do as much as was needed. They really put their hearts and souls into it.

“At the minute our total stands at £2,099 which has blown us away!

“As well as the coffee morning, there is more money raised from Christmas engagements the band played at.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank all those who supported us in any way for the coffee morning in aid of such a worthy cause.

“Special thanks go to our sponsors Trainors Spar, Poyntzpass; Garden Fresh, Tandragee; Hunters, Markethill and The Rosehip, Banbridge.”

For more information on Action Cancer and the services it provides, please visit: actioncancer.org