For over 12 years, PKF Newcastle, The Wests Group and The Newcastle Herald have collaborated to raise funds for the education and training of the Hunter’s breast care nurses.
In 2018, $20,000 was raised at PKF’s Annual Breast Care Fundraiser Breakfast, highlighting the enormous heart and generosity of the Hunter community and over 60 individual businesses and 20 individual supporters involved in the event.
Hosted by NBN Television’s Natasha Beyersdorf, the event saw 320 guests fill the Starlight Room at Wests New Lambton to hear about the work of the Hunter Nurse Education Group – Breast Cancer Care.
Former Premier of New South Wales, Nick Greiner, was the event’s guest speaker, speaking about his own personal journey with breast cancer. Nick, now 71 years old, spoke of the moment in 2014 when he was diagnosed with breast cancer. He first noticed a tiny spot of blood on his shirt in May 2013, dismissing this until it happened again a few months later.
He saw his GP, however, she believed it was something topical and gave him some cream to apply. Six months later Nick found a lump below his left nipple and decided to have a mammogram following his doctor’s advice. He was told it was nothing to worry about, but a biopsy was suggested. He waited another two weeks before having this done. It was breast cancer.
Nick said he was completely stunned; he had no idea that men got breast cancer.
“As the former New South Wales Premier, I am often complimented on having had the courage to speak out. Male breast cancer exists and needs to be positively and openly managed. I encourage all men to speak out,” Nick said.
Currently, the estimated number of new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in 2018 is over 140 men and more than 18,000 women.
With the most recent breakfast contribution, the event has raised more than $233,000 over the past 12 years. Every dollar raised stays in the Hunter to fund training and professional development for specialist breast care nurses. The nurses are dedicated to caring for Hunter people facing the battle to overcome breast cancer.
Steve Meyn, Managing Director of PKF Newcastle & Sydney said it is always inspirational to see such strong support of the nurses and their invaluable role in the community.
“The work they do in providing support, encouragement and simply a shoulder for sufferers to lean on is second to none. PKF is very proud to partner with the Wests Group and The Newcastle Herald as major sponsors of this event to support the people of the Hunter. They are simply great organisations that have been with us since that first breakfast 12 years ago.”
IMAGE | Former Premier of New South Wales, Nick Greiner, was the event’s guest speaker at PKF’s Annual Breast Care Fundraiser Breakfast.
