More than $35,000 was raised at PKF’s annual Breast Care Fundraiser Breakfast on Thursday morning, to continue supporting the Hunter region’s specialist nurses.

Hosted by NBN Television’s Natasha Beyersdorf, the event saw more than 300 people fill the Starlight Room at Wests New Lambton to hear about the inspiring work of the Hunter Nurse Education Group – Breast Cancer Care.

Newcastle photographer, breast cancer survivor and founder of The Sista Code, Melissa Histon, was the event’s guest speaker. Melissa spoke of her personal battle with the disease and gave a touching account of the positive impact her own nurses had on that very challenging time in her life.

Steve Meyn, Managing Director of PKF Newcastle & Sydney, one of the event’s major sponsors, said it was 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,” Steve said. “Because of the funds raised each year by this event, the nurses are able to continue their training and education in the specialist field of breast cancer care. They can access expert training both locally and further afield and it is these real and tangible results that encourage PKF and our event partners, The Herald, Wests, and Dobson & McEwan to hold this event each year.”

With the contribution from Thursday, the event has raised more than $170,000 over the past nine years. Every dollar raised stays in the Hunter to fund training and professional development for the Group’s specialist breast care nurses. The nurses are dedicated to caring for Hunter people facing the battle to overcome breast cancer.