Breast Friends York

26/08/2026

It's that time of year again. Secure you brainiest of friends and family for your team of 4/5/6 to take part in our fundraising Quiz and Curry night at The Parvin, Haxby 12th Oct 2026.
Email or call to book your tickets. Please Note: tickets will not be secured until full payment has been made.

We look forward to seeing you there.

12/08/2026

Wednesday 5th August saw the pillow workshop in its new venue at Stableside, it was a lovely new place for us and we were very well looked after.

As ever the 11 volunteers who attended the session were a mix of people who have had breast cancer and others who just want to give their time, we are very grateful to all.

66 cushions were made along with 50 drain bags ready to go to the hospital. We also have 81 cut and ready for Catherine to see next time and some material marked up. We also have 41 ready for stuffing and closing next time.

The sessions will be at Stableside going forward and the next two sessions are Wednesday 2nd September and Wednesday 30th September 10-3.

There are many roles to be undertaken and we are a very friendly group who are always willing to show you what needs doing. We usually have a drink at 10 and then cake and coffee at 11.00. Some people come for the full session, whilst others dip in and out. If you do come for the full session then bring lunch, we usually have a lunch break about 12.46. There is a cafe downstairs too if needed.

Any questions then please either ring us on 01904 383088 or email us at: [email protected]

02/08/2026

So this is happening. Anyone interested should get in touch with them directly.

"As ironic as it sounds for a photographer to say, it's the story that matters more than the picture to me."
📸: Laura Slater

Read more: https://bbc.in/3TC6YzK

01/07/2026

July Pillow Workshop

Another fabulous day at York RI making heart shaped cushions for the hospital. We were very industrious today, with 66 made and ready to go to the hospital with 50 drain bags. We also have 26 sewn and prepared to go next time and 70 cut and ready to be sewn up. Also material marked up too.

There was 11 of us today, Catherine was busy at the sewing machine for the whole session, only allowed away from it for cake and coffee. Tracy and Jane did a fabulous job of sorting the material. Marking it up and cutting out the hearts.

Anne, Linda, Chris, Sue, Lucy, Kath and I were stuffing and closing up the hearts. And Anna was bagging them up and also turning and snipping the hearts.

We are so thankful for our wonderful volunteers as we know what a difference the cushions make to the people who receive them. We do get the most beautiful thanks with people saying things like:

Thank you so much for my heart pillow that I was given following my recent double mastectomy. I felt quite scared and lonely when I came round from surgery and it was like being given a reassuring cuddle. I’m recovering well now but I still keep it on my bed like my new best teddy bear.

I just wanted to say thank you for the lovely heart shaped pillow I was given following the first.
It was really useful, supportive (in more ways than one!)and thoughtful gift. The kindness made me smile at a difficult time.

Just wanted to pass on big thanks for my pillow.

It so thoughtful and kind ♥️

We are looking at a new venue and will update you next week after we have been, we are looking to run sessions in August, September and October.

If you want to join us then please let me know. We always have a great time, chatting away and obviously eating cake and such like is compulsory! Lucy Hart

25/06/2026

Our Chair of Trustees, Zoe, met with some of the wonderful Acaster Malbis Community Events team this week to receive a donation for £1500 from their recent May Fair. We had a brilliant day out at the event, talking to people about who we are and what we do and taking some time to enjoy the food and the atmosphere. They are an amazing community team and are already thinking about their next event and who the lucky local charity will be. It’s been a pleasure working with you guys.
Thanks so much. The money will go towards putting on events to create better access to support for our members in navigating life with and beyond a breast cancer diagnosis.

25/06/2026

I met with some of the wonderful Acaster Malbis Community Events team this week to receive a donation for £1500 from their recent May Fair. We had a brilliant day out at the event, talking to people about who we are and what we do and taking some time to enjoy the food and the atmosphere. They are an amazing community team and are already thinking about their next event and who the lucky local charity will be. It’s been a pleasure working with you guys.
Thanks so much. The money will go towards putting on events to create better access to support for our members in life with and beyond a breast cancer diagnosis.

07/06/2026

On the final day of National Volunteers Week 2026 we have a message for our volunteers. We simply couldn't do it without you.

06/06/2026

🌟 Volunteers’ Week 🌟

This Volunteers’ Week, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible people who give their time, energy, and compassion to make a difference in the lives of others.

Today we’d like to shine a spotlight on our founding trustee, Zoe Bounds, who was recognised last night as a nominee in the York Mix Local Hero Awards.

Zoe’s care, compassion, and unwavering dedication have helped make Breast Friends York the supportive, welcoming community it is today. As a peer-to-peer support group for those affected by breast cancer, Breast Friends York provides friendship, understanding, and a safe space for people who truly understand the journey.

From coordinating our evening meet-ups over coffee and cake to personally welcoming every new member who walks through the door, Zoe goes above and beyond to ensure nobody feels alone. Her kindness, empathy, and genuine commitment to supporting others have touched countless lives across York and beyond.

Quite simply, Zoe is the heart and soul of everything Breast Friends York stands for – friendship, support, understanding, hope, and community.

Despite not being crowned Volunteer of the year, we are incredibly proud of you, Zoe, and grateful for everything you do. Thank you for making such a difference to so many people.

Please join us in congratulating Zoe on her nomination and celebrating all the amazing volunteers who give so much of themselves to help others.

04/06/2026

June Pillow Workshop took place on Wednesday 3rd June. There was 15 of us beavering away and we made 86 in the 4 hours we had. Also we have 15 sewn and ready for stuffing next time and 55 ready to sew. Also material already marked up and ready to be cut.

We are so lucky to have the volunteers we have and as it’s National Volunteer Week we say a huge thank-you to them. They work so hard and give their time to make the cushions which are given out to breast cancer patients at York Hospital.