Hull & East Riding Breast Friends aims to bring community to women diagnosed with breast cancer
A charity that aims to provide hope and friendship during the emotional rollercoaster of a breast cancer diagnosis has won the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Hull & East Riding Breast Friends was founded in November 2005 by Jan Jones and Liz Drury, who became friends during breast cancer treatment at Castle Hill Hospital.
The award was bestowed at a special event on Wednesday evening at HER Breast Friends in the K2 Tower on Bond Street in Hull. There was a champagne reception and the award was presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Jim Dick OBE.
Jayne Beck told Hull Daily Mail: “Receiving a lifetime award like this, one that recognises and rewards our volunteers and the work we do for local people affected by breast cancer, is such a huge honour, as I’ve said. It really does give what everyone in the charity has and is working for, the ‘Royal seal of approval’ – not bad for a small local charity.”
HER Breast Friends provide a Wig Bank, Bra Service, Complementary Therapies, and Person-centred Counselling. There is also a unique group called Second Friends dedicated to supporting those with a secondary breast cancer diagnosis, a monthly coffee morning, and a crafting group on Wednesdays.
The Breast Awareness Campaign Team visits organisations, groups, and colleges to talk about signs and symptoms and someone should do if they have any breast health concerns. “Our volunteers really are the best there is,” Jayne added.
Jayne said the charity got the news it would receive the award a few days before November 14 last year, the King’s Birthday. She recalled: “All our volunteers were buzzing with the news. They were so proud, but also like children on Christmas morning.”
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. HER Breast Friends will be in St Stephens Shopping Centre on Saturday, October 4, handing out free information and raising awareness of signs and symptoms, not just for women but for men too
HER Breast Friends operates in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire. and North Lincolnshire. In 2026, the charity plans to launch its reaching out programme visiting rural communities and taking services and support to them.
Jayne said: “Our message is that we are here to help where we can. If anyone needs our support, please get in touch, come, and see what we offer and have a chat over a cup of tea.”
All services are by appointment only, but open to anyone who needs them. Just call the office on 01482 221368 or email Generalenquiries@herbreastfriends.org.uk
Is Hull the best place to live in Yorkshire? You can have your say by completing the poll below or by clicking here.