FOUR caring Barnsley Hospital nurses will travel to Africa next week on a ‘life-changing’ mission to tackle breast cancer in one of the poorest countries in the world.
Lisa Brammah, Samantha Haigh, Susan Deakin and Mireille Nkamicaniye are all team members at Barnsley Hospital’s breast imaging department and will leave for Burundi, in East Africa, a week tomorrow.
By embarking on the week-long mission with charity Global Refugee Aid - which is run by a group of professional doctors and provides help and counselling for refugees - the quartet are hoping they can make a difference.
Lisa, 45, from Monk Bretton, told the Chronicle: “I’m a part of a team of four ladies who will be going out to Burundi later this month.
“We’ll be going with Global Refugee Aid on a mission to treat other women in Burundi who can’t afford or who don’t have any access to cancer treatment.
“Hopefully by the end of it we’ll be able to start a service there to support these women all the time.”
Samantha, who has been working in the team for two years, added that they are aiming to provide ‘comprehensive’ care for those who need it - but they’re currently asking the public for help.
“Our mission involves conducting crucial breast screening and symptomatic clinics to identify and diagnose breast cancer cases.
“Through our expertise in breast advanced practice, we aim to contribute significantly to providing comprehensive care to those in need.
“While we have been fortunate to secure generous sponsors for transport and accommodation, we are now seeking support to raise £7,000.
“These funds will be instrumental in acquiring the necessary medication and equipment to ensure the success of our mission.
“As of now, we have achieved 70 per cent of our target, but we need your help to reach our goal and make a lasting impact on the lives of those battling breast cancer in Burundi.”
She added that the funding will allow them to purchase pieces of life-saving equipment.
“Any generous donation will play a crucial role in providing hope and a second chance at life to those in need,” she said.
“By contributing to our cause, people are directly supporting the purchase of vital medication and equipment that will make a significant difference in the lives of the women we aim to help.”
The four nurses have described the mission as a ‘beacon of hope’ for those in need.
Lisa added: “We are doing this work because we want to extend a helping hand to others who are less fortunate.
“By reaching out to vulnerable women who otherwise would have no access to breast cancer treatments, we are offering them a chance of survival, recovery and a future filled with hope.
“Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to our goal.
“Everyone’s support is not just a financial contribution - it is a beacon of hope for those in need.”
A Barnsley Hospital spokesperson wished the quartet luck.
They said: “We are very proud of our staff for undertaking this mission on their own initiative, and we wish them the best success.
“Staff have told us from previous missions they have learned a lot from working overseas and this has helped them become more focussed and resourceful.”
A link to the fundraiser can be found on the Barnsley Chronicle website.
