AN ELLESMERE trader is holding a summer shopping event to raise money for a charity which funds research, care and support for women with breast cancer.

Ismay Evans, 52, was diagnosed with the disease in December 2021 and wants to highlight the importance of having regular screening checks.

She owns Ismay's in High Street, Ellesmere, and says the event is to spread the message of getting checked out if you are unsure.

“If I had ignored the call to have a mammogram in November, I wouldn’t have known that I had hidden pre-cancer cells....and the consequences could have been unthinkable,” said Ismay.

“Early detection meant that I was able to have a mastectomy at the Princess Royal Hospital at Telford in February and I’ve made a good recovery.

"Now, I’m determined to get the message across to others that it’s vital not to miss regular checks including mammogram screening, and I also want to give something back by raising money for Breast Cancer Now.”

The charity evening at Ellesmere Town Hall on Thursday, August 4, will include 20 craft stalls and a special display featuring advice and information about the disease, which affects about 55,000 women and a much smaller number of men across the UK every year.

Other local businesses and some of Ismay’s customers have donated prizes for a giant raffle, while friends Janice Williams and Jeanette and Andy Moores from Moores Landscapes Ltd have provided sponsorship to help cover costs.

The event will be held between 6.30-10pm with tickets costing £5, to include a glass of wine or a soft drink, plus a bar and other refreshments available.

Ismay added: “This is my way of saying a huge ‘thank you’ to the medical teams who treated me at Telford and Shrewsbury and to the ‘angels’ at our local Churchmere Medical Practice who supported me after my operation.

"The care I’ve received has been excellent and my customers have been wonderfully supportive.

“The figures show breast cancer survival in the UK has doubled in the past 40 years because of a combination of improvements in treatment and care, earlier detection through screening and faster diagnosis.

“I’ve been very fortunate, and I hope that I can do my bit to help other people facing a similar situation by raising awareness.”