A HEREFORDSHIRE woman has spoken about her breast cancer diagnosis and has said thank you to the people who helped her fight it.

Jackie Bennett, from Ross-on-Wye, found a lump on her left breast in March 2021.

After two mammograms and a biopsy she found that the lump on her left breast was just breast tissue but doctors also found a malignant lump in her right breast.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy operation on August 10 last year.

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Miss Bennett had several options which included another lumpectomy, which meant it could possibly come back, or a full mastectomy which would remove all breast tissue. She opted for the latter.

She said: "This time last year, I had my mastectomy and had been through the worst time of my life.

"A year on and so much has happened but thankfully for the better.

"A few months ago I had some photos done by an amazing photographer Jemma Slater in order to say goodbye to the past and hello to the future.

"I have a wonderful future to look forward to, spending time and making memories with my beautiful granddaughter Darla."

Hereford Times: Jackie Bennett with her granddaughter Darla. Picture: Jemma Slater PhotographyJackie Bennett with her granddaughter Darla. Picture: Jemma Slater Photography

Miss Bennett said that she wants to give something back to the people that helped her through her cancer battle.

She said: "I feel so grateful to have been so lucky to have that future.

There are many women and men who aren’t as fortunate as myself, so a year on I feel is a good time to bring awareness to breast cancer.

"Please ladies and gentlemen go check your breasts and if you are unsure about anything, go and get it checked out sooner rather than later."

Miss Bennett is raising money to help the Hereford Macmillan breast cancer unit.

Herefordshire businesses such as Bennetts of Ross, The Antique Coffee shop in Hereford, Studio K Hairdressers in Hereford, The Man of Ross pub, and Pengethley Farm Shop have all helped her raise money since she started in October last year.

She has raised over £1300 through her Facebook page and with the help of local people and businesses.

She is hoping to raise over £2000 for the Hereford based unit.

She said: "I owe a massive thank you to the whole team at the Hereford Macmillan breast unit, especially the breast nurses who go above and beyond to care for you at such a traumatic time.

"The work and support they gave me was outstanding and I want to raise as much as I can."