MP Wins Prestigious Award for Breast Cancer Services Campaign

4.21.41pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 19th Jun 2007

Julia was delighted to be nominated for the award by Margaret Forbes and Anna Burton

Local MP, Julia Goldsworthy has been awarded the prestigious 2007 Patsy Calton award by the UK's leading breast cancer charity, Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Ms Goldsworthy was nominated by two of her constituents, Anna Burton and Margaret Forbes, for her dedication to securing the future of breast cancer services in her local community. In 2006 vital screening services for women with a strong family history of breast cancer were suspended and the breast care unit at St Michael's Hospital, Hayle was closed, forcing patients to travel to another site for treatment.

The Breakthrough Patsy Calton Award was established to recognise the achievements of parliamentarians who are committed to campaigning for improvements in breast cancer research, services and treatments for patients. The annual award is named in memory of Patsy Calton MP, an outstanding advocate for people affected by breast cancer, who sadly died from the disease in May 2005.

Following a sustained campaign, the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust have now pledged to resume the suspended services, with the first breast reconstruction operations taking place last week at St Michael's Hospital in Hayle.

Local Breakthrough Breast Cancer member Anna Burton and Margaret Forbes, who co-nominated Julia, said:

"The suspension of our local breast cancer services left patients facing an uncertain future. Julia's unwavering support helped us to secure a dedicated breast care ward, family history clinic and the availability of breast reconstruction after surgery.

Margaret Forbes, who put forward Ms Goldsworthy's name, added:

"She continues to fight for improvements for breast cancer patients in our area. Julia is very deserving of this award and we are delighted she has been recognised for her hard work and commitment."

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Julia Goldsworthy MP said:

"Whilst receiving the Breakthrough Patsy Calton Award is a great honour, the true heroes are Anna and Margaret, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that breast cancer services in Cornwall have been improved. Women in the county now have access to the breast cancer services they need and deserve, which is fantastic news. All women have the right to receive these vital services and their availability should not be dependent on postcode. Breast cancer services throughout the UK must be protected if we are to achieve the goal of a future free from the fear of breast cancer."

Julia was presented with her award by Annette Brooke MP, Joint Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer and Breakthrough Breast Cancer's annual summer reception at the Houses of Parliament on 16th May.