Breast cancer survivor Debbie Dowie, the wife of former professional footballer Iain Dowie, has opened up about her battle and her mission to make a difference to other women.

Debbie Dowie set up the charity Boot Out Breast Cancer after being diagnosed herself in 2010.

At the age of 41, Debbie noticed a change in her breast. She ended up having tests at the Royal Bolton Hospital and breast cancer was diagnosed.

Debbie, who lived in Lostock but has now moved to Chorley, said: “I found two lumps, which were close to the surface.

“I didn’t feel the lump, but I could see it puckering on the skin."

She added: “I waited a couple of months to find out if I needed chemotherapy, but fortunately it had been caught soon.

“I’m very grateful.”

She was also able to have medication for 10 years to reduce her risk of getting breast cancer again.

Debbie said: “Fortunately I had a mastectomy, and I was very lucky.

“I had an amazing support system.”

Debbie went on to make a full recovery after undergoing a mastectomy on one of her breasts and being able to have immediate reconstructive surgery because her lymph nodes were clear.

“I wanted to turn something negative into a big positive, and I had always done voluntary fundraising.

"It's lovely knowing I am impacting lives."

Debbie Dowie leads the way with breast cancer support for women during and after treatment

After a successful few year of hosting several events to raise money for specialist equipment Debbie began putting on a ladies lunch to raise money and awareness.

Debbie said: “Whatever we raise we like to spend the money on diagnostic equipment for hospitals.

“I have had lots of friends of friends call me.

“It’s quite nice to see someone who has gone through the journey and for them to think there is an hope.

“I had those role models, and I think it’s important to have people to look up to.

“Everybody who works at the charity is voluntary, which is amazing.”

The event will take place on March 23 at Rivington Hall and will include a wide range of entertainment from Boy George tribute act Paul Sutton, and singer Victoria Chesterton, hosted by Ronnie Orr.

There will also be a selection of “incredible” food, a fashion show hosted by Button Boutique, with plenty of stalls and an auction, which has already received some ‘fabulous’ diamonds from Slack and Andrews.

Anyone who purchases a ticket costing £50 will also receive a free cut and blow from Sax Hairdressers, with all proceeds going towards Boot Out Breast Cancer to help purchase equipment needed for hospitals.

Debbie added: “There’s so much good behind the event and it’s a really fun evening.

“I love the fact that everyone is helping us so we can help other people.”

The charity has also launched a soft launch of their free ‘Boot Out Breast Cancer’ app, aimed at reminding women when the best time is to check their breasts for lumps.

Debbie added: “It’s amazing to be part of creating this and making a difference.

“People don’t always want to talk so the app is designed to help people get that support.”

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.