We are a small regional charity, that relies entirely on donations, volunteers, and funding to deliver support and care to more than 500 women and men fighting and surviving breast cancer every year. Because of this support, we are able to invest 97% of the funds we raise in those who need it the most.
LADIES... FIGHTING BREAST CANCER
proud to support the fight against breast cancer
WE SUPPORT MORE THAN 500 WOMEN & MEN ACROSS THE WEST MIDLANDS EVERY YEAR
We rely entirely on funding, fundraising and our volunteers to carry out this important work. A £10 donation provides an hour of 1-2-1 counselling support for a breast cancer patient and £35 covers the costs for a Hug-In-A-Bag.
FUNDRAISING
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 Fighting Breast Cancer has raised more than £1.5 million for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Trust’s Cancer Unit, which has helped raised funds for leading edge medical equipment and create a ‘centre of excellence’.
LFBC... A BRIEF HISTORY
2000
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
2007
£75,000 raised towards a Mobile Mammogram, installed in Quinton, Birmingham
2008
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
2009
£150,000 raised to purchase a Mammotone Machine, rapidly increasing diagnostic and biopsy speeds
2010
2010
LFBC first bi-annual Fashion Show at the Motor Cycle Museum, raising more than £55,000
2011
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
2014
Lord Digby Jones of Birmingham accepts request for Patronage of Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer
2015
2015
Veronica Kumeta presented with the Points of Light Award for charity sector contribution by Prime Minster David Cameron
2016
2016
£125,000 raised towards the UKs first ever PINK Mobile Mammogram, installed in Katy Road, Selly Oak in Edgbaston.
2017
2017
LFBC launches first support groups – Lisa’s Gathering and Well Woman choir
2019
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
2020
LFBC launches its innovative Hugs-In-A-Bag initiative, providing practical and thoughtful items to women and men receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments for breast cancer via several hospitals, including the QE, across the West Midlands
2021
2021
COO Veronica Kumeta awarded a regional Pride of Britain Award and Woman Who award for Charity Fundraiser of the Year. Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer was also awarded a Diamond Safety in Beauty award.
Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder
VERONICA KUMETA
Chair of Trustees
SHELLEY DUNCAN
Trustee
SAM MURRAY
Trustee
TRISH KENNEDY
Trustee
PETE MURTHA
Trustee
EILEEN FEGAN
Trustee
JAN JOHNSON
OUR AWARDS
2022
Make a Difference Heroes Awards
2022
Veronica winner of the Charity Champion for Pour Moi
The Charity Champion is an outstanding individual who helps to motivate and engage others in fundraising and awareness-raising activity. Whether this is to support an individual charity or multiple, the Charity Champion goes above and beyond to support charitable causes.
2021
The Safety in Beauty Diamond Awards winner 2021
I was honoured and delighted to be awarded the Inspiration person of the Year Award for charity at this very prestigious event. To be recognised within the beauty industry for the difference we are making was truly fantastic and ended a really successful awards year for our Breast Cancer charity.
2021
Pride of Britain ITV Regional Winner 2021
I was totally shocked but delighted to be nominated for this award as it was such a lovely surprise as I don’t do this for recognition, but it was amazing when I won and just great to be recognised for the work that you do and to know how much people appreciate it is an amazing feeling.
2021
Woman Who Achieves for a Charity or Social Enterprise
Veronica Kumeta, Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer – WINNER
I was delighted to be recognised for the work I do for LFBC. I am privileged to be part of dynamic volunteer team with a shared ambition to increase nonmedical support for breast cancer patients.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FLOOZIE THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
2013
2013
Made by Ruth Pipkin
2014
2014
Made by Lillian Webber
2015
2015
Made by Sharvey Price
2016
2016
Made by Shelley Duncan
2017
2017
Made by Zoe Lockett
2018
2018
Made by Sina Jagpal.
2019
2019
Made by Carol Gregory.
2020
2020
Made by Shelley Duncan
A unique community of amazing breast cancer fighters, survivors and supporters in Birmingham and across the West Midlands
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Our Recent Awards
Medical disclaimer
Any medical information referred to in or through our website is given as information only and is not intended:
• as medical diagnosis or treatment
• to replace consultation with a qualified medical practitioner
• to advocate or recommend the purchase of any product or to endorse or guarantee the credentials or appropriateness of any health care provider
We strongly suggest you consult a healthcare professional for specific advice about your situation.
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