Co Antrim bride praises charity for helping late mother share her wedding

The daughter of a Co Antrim woman who died just a few weeks ago from breast cancer is encouraging others to get checked if they feel something is wrong.

Deirdre Whyte, a mother-of-three from Glengormley was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020.

She Deirdre underwent a mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer and used the Cancer Focus bra fitting service to feel and look her best to get ready for her daughter's wedding.

A few weeks after Deirdre attended her bra fitting she was admitted to hospice for care and passed away peacefully on September 11, 2022.

Deidre’s daughter Debbie speaks about her mother's strength and determination through her breast cancer battle, and the importance of seeing your GP if something doesn’t feel right.

“My mummy had a tough journey from her breast cancer diagnosis in 2020.

"She would never let cancer stop her from doing the things she loved, spending time with her children, grandchildren, family and friends.

“She showed great determination and strength through this horrible disease.

"My mummy fought right to the end and saved all her strength for my wedding day and she looked a million dollars!

“ I'm so glad she got to make more great memories with the time she had left.”

Debbie said she hoped her mother’s story highlights the importance of always getting symptoms checked if you feel something isn’t right.

"No matter what life throws at you, get up each morning, be thankful and make every second count,” she added.

Deirdre’s son Andrew also remembers his mother’s strength throughout her difficult breast cancer journey.

He said: “My mother was my best friend and someone I could have relied on morning, noon, and night.

"Despite being in the hospice it was a privilege to be there at her side.

"My sister's wedding was something she had put all her in energy into making sure she attended and is testament of her strength and positive mental attitude. She was one of a kind and I am very lucky and blessed to call her my mother.”

Cancer Focus NI is calling on all the women in Northern Ireland to get involved in their latest campaign Girls’ Night In to raise vital funds for breast cancer services this October.

The Girls’ Night In campaign also puts the spotlight on knowing ‘your normal’ and looking out for signs and symptoms of breast cancer that could save your life.

Rosie Forsythe, corporate and community fundraising manager, Cancer Focus NI, said: “One in 10 women in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with breast cancer, the most common cancer in women.

“Around 1,450 local women are diagnosed here each year.

“The support from local people across Northern Ireland has been overwhelming and we couldn’t be more grateful.

"The funds raised so far have helped us to launch our Thrive Community, a group

specifically for young women diagnosed with breast cancer to share their experiences after a diagnosis that dramatically changes their hopes and plans for the future.

“This year we are raising funds for our breast cancer services which are essential to providing local women with the support they need, when they need it.

"With services like counselling, art therapy, bra fitting services, family support and peer support in our Thrive and Focus Friends groups, our unique offering makes a real difference to women who are navigating one of the toughest times of their lives.

Deirdre used the Cancer Focus bra fitting service to feel and look her best to get ready for her daughter's wedding and said a the time it had “really lifted her spirits” after her breast surgery.

Rosie Forsythe added: "So get involved this October and have lots of fun with your friends and host a Girls’ Night In and you can help us support women right here in Northern Ireland.”

Cancer Focus NI said Girls’ Night In is the perfect opportunity to gather your girls together for a movie night, brunch date, coffee morning, karaoke night- the possibilities are endless!

The first symptom of breast cancer that most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast.

Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by a doctor.

You should see a GP if you notice any of the following:

*a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before

*a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts

*a discharge of fluid from either of your nipples

*a lump or swelling in either of your armpits

*a change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness

*a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple

*a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast

Breast pain is not usually a symptom of breast cancer.

It's important to be breast aware so you notice any changes as soon as possible.

Get to know what is normal for you – for instance, your breasts may look or feel different at different times of your life.

This will make it easier to notice potential problems.

*You can find out more about the campaign and how to sign up to host your own Girls Night In this October by visiting

https://cancerfocusni.org/event/girlsnightin2022/