BEING diagnosed with a devastating illness gave Allison Coates the impetus to help others.

Allison was just 27 years old when she discovered a lump in her breast. She immediately went to see her doctor and further investigations revealed the devastating breast cancer diagnosis.

Fortunately the 2cm tumour, which was removed, hadn't spread to Allison's lymph nodes but she underwent months of chemotherapy treatment.

It was during this time that Allison became involved in Bradford Cancer Support, a charity which was then very much in its infancy. She recalls the charity, which has since developed and expanded and is now know as Cancer Support Yorkshire, was at that time operating out of two rooms in Vicar Lane in her home city of Bradford.

Since then the independent charity, which offers practical help and support to those affected by cancer, has flourished with branches operating in Bradford, at Daisy Bank, and Skipton.

It was while attending the sessions in Bradford that Allison became involved in Bosom Friends, a support group for women affected by breast cancer.

When Allison initially joined the group, she recognised at that time there was a lack of younger women - inspiring her to set up an evening session for younger women to attend.

Although Allison was undergoing treatment at the time following her own cancer diagnosis, establishing the session gave her another focus.

Helping others has also been instrumental in her recovery as she prepares to celebrate the 25th anniversary since her devastating diagnosis.

Allison initially began fundraising for Cancer Support before turning her attentions to the £5.2million campaign to build a Marie Curie hospice cancer care centre in Bradford.

Conscious that the closest cancer centre was, at that time, in Ilkley, Allison was eager for Bradford to have its own cancer care facility.

Over the years Allison raised thousands of pounds for the appeal. At the time she was working for Abbey National who supported her by doubling the amount she raised during her fundraising events.

"I did sponsored walks, party nights, balls," says Allison.

Her courage and generosity led to her earning a nomination for the T&A's prestigious Bradford's Best Citizen Award in 1999.

Now she is planning another fundraiser - the 'Changing Chains Summer Ball' which takes place in the Princess Ballroom at the Midland Hotel in Bradford on Saturday July 15.

The event, which commemorates the 25th anniversary since Allison's cancer diagnosis, aims to raise funds for Cancer Support Yorkshire - her chosen charity during her year as president of The Rotary Club of Bradford West - a role she takes up in July.

Guest of honour is Allison's fellow Rotarian, Robert Morphet, who has been selected as Bradford West's first District Governor.

Allison's impetus for joining Rotary, an international movement supporting communities locally and overseas, came through her oncologist.

"It occurred to me when I am president it will be 25 years since I had my cancer treatment and my nominated charity I wanted to be Cancer Support Yorkshire," explains Allison.

"I just felt the people at the Cancer Support centre had helped me and I just wanted to put something back.

"At the time it was a vital support because you think you are the only one going through it, but when you meet other people who are going through the same thing it gives you hope.

"I have seen it grow from those little rooms in Vicar Lane and I feel proud that as a city we have got this support and the Marie Curie centre. We have got this fantastic cancer support network which wasn't there 25 years ago," adds Allison.

Linda Enderby, fundraiser at Cancer Support Yorkshire, says: “I’ve known Allison for many years, she’s one of life givers and has always been a great supporter of the charity. I wasn’t at all surprised that she chose us as her charity of the year. We wish her well in her year as President of the Rotary Club of Bradford West and look forward to her first event, the Summer Ball.”

For more information about the 'Changing the Chains Summer Ball,' call 01274 202226.