LADIES... FIGHTING BREAST CANCER

Proud to support the fight against breast cancer

LADIES... FIGHTING BREAST CANCER

Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer (LFBC) was established in 2000 by Veronica Kumeta and the late Sue Macmaster, after their friend Carol Knaggs was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

Carol sadly lost her battle with cancer, as did Sue when she was later diagnosed with the disease. But their legacy lives on through the outreach, fundraising and community care provided by LFBC. The charity that was set up to support Carol and Sue, has now supported hundreds of women in their loving memory, for more than two decades.

A CARING COMMUNITY

Veronica now works with an amazing team of support workers and volunteers with a core aim of raising the importance of early detection, whilst also providing community support and raising funds for the fight against breast cancer.

Since 2000, Ladies Fight Breast Cancer has raised more than £1.5 million to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Trust’s Cancer Unit, which has helped raised fund leading edge medical equipment and create a ‘centre of excellence’.

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

2000

Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer incorporated as a registered charity

2001

2001-2006

More than £500,000 raised to purchase leading-edge equipment including Cooling Cap to prevent hair loss, Tattooing Equipment, Faxitron Machine which accesses Biopsies, Chemotherapy Chairs, specialist Head Lamps and doctors’ Scrubs, Prone Biopsy Machine, Mastectomy Bras and Prothetics Campaign.

2007

£75,000 raised towards a Mobile Mammogram, installed in Quinton, Birmingham

2008

Launch of Real Wigs and EyeBrow Tattooing support initiatives; funds also raised to provide bursaries to cover travel costs for breast cancer patients hospital and GP appointments.

2009

£150,000 raised to purchase a Mammotone Machine, rapidly increasing diagnostic and biopsy speeds

2010

LFBC first bi-annual Fashion Show at the Motor Cycle Museum, raising more than £55,000

2011

LFBC dress Birmingham’s The River Statue (or as locals call her the ‘Floozie in the Jacuzzi’) with a pink bra for the first time!

2012

2012-2015

More than £250,000 raised to purchase leading-edge equipment including Lymph Node Gamma Probe, Tattooing Equipment and Chemotherapy Chairs

2014

Lord Digby Jones of Birmingham accepts request for Patronage of Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer

2015

Veronica Kumeta presented with the Points of Light Award for charity sector contribution by Prime Minster David Cameron

2016

£125,000 raised towards the UKs first ever PINK Mobile Mammogram, installed in Katy Road, Selly Oak in Edgbaston.

2017

LFBC launches first support groups – Lisa’s Gathering and Well Woman choir

2019

LFBC Well Woman choir performs at Britain’s Got Talent at the London Palladium, with Got To Sing at Birmingham Town and Symphony Hall and as part of a flash mob at Birmingham New Street station. Founder Veronica Kumeta invited to meet HRH Queen Elizabeth II at the National Council of Voluntary Organisations’ Centenary celebrations.

2020

LFBC celebrates 20 years!

Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder
VERONICA KUMETA

Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder

VERONICA KUMETA

Veronica is the co-founder and COO of Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer; she is passionate about raising awareness and providing community care to women and men fighting the disease.

I’m grateful for every single person who supports LFBC, from my Trustees to our small army of volunteers. Because of this support, we are able to invest 97% of the funds we raise in those who need it the most.

Veronica is also a finalist in the Woman Who awards which are awarded on October 1st 2021 at Coombe Abbey.

Chair of Trustees

SHELLEY DUNCAN

A volunteer for over 15 years, baked cakes, packed shopping, climbed statues, shook buckets, packed goody bags, laid tables, hosted events. Very much a background member by choice but dedicated to supporting those who need help in our area.

Trustee

SAM MURRAY

Working at Reid & Co Solicitors, Sams knowledge and support has been invaluable throughout the years.

Trustee

JESSICA WILKES-BALL

Jessica is the Corporate Responsibility Officer / Charity Coordinator at Wesleyan. She has help with fundraising events and more in support of LFBC.

Trustee

TRISH KENNEDY

Talent Manager at Gymshark specialising in Brand, Marketing, PR, Creative and Commercial roles. In my spare time I love spending time with family and friends, I love to travel and find new places to eat! So any recommendations let me know ☺

I have been volunteering for Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer for many years as it’s a charity close to my heart, it was a very proud moment to be made a Trustee.

Trustee

PETE MURTHA

Pete is the CEO & Founder Optima Hair Specialists Limited. LFBC work with Pete to help provide those suffering from cancer a way to feel like themselves during their treatment.

Trustee

EILEEN FEGAN

Eileen is the Consultant Nurse in Early Diagnosis of Disease at Solihull Health Check Clinic. Friendly, capable and helpful. Great in a crisis, always in control and has a cheeky sense of humour 😊 Her support and insights have help LFBC further the support they offer.

Trustee

JAN JOHNSON

Jan has been a volunteer for 20 years and we’re so lucky to have her help and support. Thank you Jan!

Trustee

JASON BODEN

Jason is a respected marketing consultant and MD of Plan B Creative Limited, based in the heart of Birmingham’s vibrant Jewellery Quarter.

I’m proud to support LFBC; they are a fantastic charity, raising vital funds to purchase life-saving equipment, provide critical support services and raise awareness in our local communities.

OUR AWARDS

2013

Most Inspirational woman of the year 2013

Inspirational Woman of the Year award presented to COO Veronica Kumeta for her outstanding contribution to the local community. Picture: Veronica receiving her award at the Woman Who awards ceremony at the Hotel La Tour Birmingham.

2015

Points of Light 2015

Former Prime Minister David Cameron presents COO Veronica with a Points of Lights Award at a special, invitation-only ceremony at No 10 Downing Street.

2016

Pride of Birmingham 2016

COO Veronica Kumeta received the prestigious Pride of Birmingham Award in recognition of the £1million raised to buy specialist equipment for the QE Hospital, including the UK’s first ever pink mobile mammogram. Picture: Veronica received her award from Jerroms at Birmingham Town Hall from The Birmingham Mail.

2016

Birmingham Business Awards 2016

LFBC were acknowledged for their community outreach and for the significant fundraising effort required to purchase the UK’s first ever pink mobile mammogram.

2017

Forward Ladies National Award

COO Veronica Kumeta is recognised for her strong, innovative and energetic leadership by Forward Ladies in their National Awards. Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer was also awarded The Midlands Regional Award in the Not-For-Profit organisation category. Picture: Veronica is recognised by Forward ladies at a ceremony at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole Hotel 2017.

2018

Woman and Home’s 50 Over 50 2018

COO Veronica Kumeta profiled in Women and Home magazine, in their special 50 Women Over 50 feature. Veronica was recognised in the Friendship Above and Beyond category. Picture: Veronica attends a special celebratory luncheon at Claridge’s Hotel, London, hosted by BBC broadcaster and DJ, Jo Whiley

2019

Veronica being presented to The Queen

COO Veronica Kumeta is invited to attend a reception at Windsor Castle, hosted by HRH Queen Elizabeth II, to honour selected charities, chosen by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, for the work they do across the UK, providing critical care, support and services to the UK’s most disadvantaged and marginalised communities.