Throughout October, the team and the people living at Sherrell House Care Home in Chigwell have been honouring Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month started in 1985 to promote the screening and prevention of the disease. This is a cause that the people living and working at Sherrell House feel passionate about, as many of them have been affected by cancer, be it personally or through a loved one.
There are quite a few ladies living at Sherrell House that are cancer survivors, so the home wanted to honour them during this month. They planned a variety of different activities in October that not only raised awareness for the disease, but also allowed these residents to reflect on their journeys to recovery and realise just how far they’d come. The home wanted to send a message that they are not alone and enable them to call themselves proud.
One of the bigger events the home held was a Pink Pumpkin contest, where everyone was invited to decorate a pumpkin and the funniest and fanciest pumpkin won a special prize! There were some fantastic entries, and it put a fun twist on the home’s usual October pumpkin carving activities. They also bought wristbands with motivational messages such as ‘Stay strong’ and ‘Together we fight’, which everyone wore proudly.
The residents at the home were so enthusiastic about getting involved in every Breast Cancer awareness activity, as they knew what an important cause it was. They enjoyed hearing about people’s journeys; it only further encouraged them to donate to Breast Cancer UK.
Though the month is coming to an end, the residents of Sherrell House would like to encourage everyone to continue to screen for Breast Cancer. One resident has said ‘Girls you want to make sure you check your bumps for lumps and waste no time. It could save your life.’