When Bromleys Solicitors selected its chosen charity for the last year, it could never have known that the cause would quickly come to be so distinctive.

Three months after the Ashton-under-Lyne firm picked The Christie Charity, practice manager Louise Nolan was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Nolan, 53, had worked at Bromleys for 20 years and now depended for treatment on the very same Christie NHS trust that her colleagues were raising money for.

Louise underwent a double mastectomy followed by 12 gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and is now on a 12-month course of immunotherapy as part of her ongoing treatment.

Nolan said: ‘The firm really got behind The Christie Charity and has been hugely supportive of me. The treatment and care I’ve received from The Christie cannot be faulted. It’s an amazing facility to have in the region and I’m so pleased that Bromleys has been able to raise funds for it, as The Christie Charity does tremendous work.

'My breast cancer was detected following my first routine mammogram since turning 50. I felt pleased and relieved that I’d gone for screening, and thankfully my cancer was found at an early stage.’

Now back at work full-time, Nolan wanted to share her story to encourage more women to attend breast screening.

‘A mammogram is offered to every woman aged over 50 and under 70 every three years, and I would urge everyone eligible to be screened. The service is ultimately there to save your life.

'I want something positive to come from my experiences, so I would encourage more women to attend for screening. It’s also important to check yourself. The earlier you act and seek advice if you notice anything unusual, hopefully the better the outcome will be if cancer is detected.’

The Christie Charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in providing life-saving cancer treatment, pioneering research and additional care and services for patients and their families.

Bromleys raised a total of £4,730 in a year through various events and activities, including themed lunches and a Santa dash, while six members of staff took part in the Great Manchester 10k Run.

Chris Eaton, a solicitor in Bromleys’ wills and probate team and a member of the firm’s staff committee, which organises charity activities, said: ‘When we chose The Christie Charity as our charity of the year, we had no idea how close to home it would become.

‘Seeing the support Louise received made our fundraising efforts feel even more worthwhile, and we’re proud to have supported such an important cause.’

The firm has chosen Willow Wood Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne as its new charity of the year.’