Breast Friends unite to bare (almost) all for cancer calendar

FACED with the news she has incurable breast cancer, her first thoughts were not for herself.

Kerry Key's fears were for her family and how they would cope.

But despite being told to think about creating memory boxes for her two young children, she is determined to help other local women affected by breast cancer.

Kerry, 35, has recruited her friends and relatives to pose for a Calendar Girls-style calendar to raise money for Hull And East Riding (HER) Breast Friends.

"Facing your own mortality isn't very nice," she said.

"But on the positive side, I'm here now.

"They might not find a cure in my lifetime, but if I can help other people, I will.

"I'm all about positivity."

Kerry, of Hedon, was first diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago.

She underwent surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone treatment, which was successful.

But the cancer returned in 2009 and she had to have her left breast and ovaries removed.

Kerry believed she had beaten the disease.

But after discovering a lump in her neck in August last year, further tests revealed the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and she has now been told it is incurable.

Since then, Kerry, whose condition is stable, has undergone more chemotherapy treatment and has injections every month.

She has thrown herself into creating the calendar, with almost 300 copies already snapped up, to raise money for HER Breast Friends.

Kerry, who wore the number one vest at this year's Hull Race For Life, has become a volunteer for the charity after attending one of its pink pamper days for women affected by the disease.

She said creating the calendar was her way of giving something back to the charity for the support she has received.

Kerry, whose picture features as May in the calendar, said: "I want to show people that even though you might only have one breast, it doesn't mean you're not beautiful, can't wear nice clothes or go out and face the world as you did before.

"HER Breast Friends does everything on a really positive note.

"When I was first diagnosed, they took me under their wing, they make you feel better about yourself.

"All I want to do is give something back and raise awareness for other people in the same position."

Kerry, who lives with her two children, Lewis, 12, and Georgia, 6, and husband Anthony, 40, also used her 35th birthday party in May to raise money to help others.

Almost £2,000 was split between HER Breast Friends and St Anne's School in Welton, where Lewis, who is disabled, is a pupil.

It was this event which spurred Kerry on to do more fundraising.

She said she takes one day at a time and is living life to the full with her family and friends.

"As a mum, you don't want to think about not being there for your children and be told to think about making memory boxes for them," said Kerry.

"I didn't think I could appreciate life more than the day Lewis was born at 27 weeks and only weighed 1lb.

"Then I was diagnosed with cancer.

"I live each day to the full as much as I can."

The calendars cost £10 each and can be ordered by calling 07536 111499.

Visit www.herbreastfriends.org for more information about the charity and details of support available.