RUNNER and breast cancer survivor Mike Rossiter joined other fundraisers and staff to officially open the second phase of the Breast Cancer Centre at University Hospital Llandough.

Mike took on the Cardiff Half Marathon less than two months after completing his course of chemotherapy raising more than £1,500 for the centre in the process.

He was joined by other fundraisers for the official opening of phase two which has been paid for by the centre’s many dedicated supporters.

They helped raise the thousands needed to deliver phase two.

Mike, 55, was diagnosed with breast cancer in January. The next month he had surgery and then underwent 18 weeks of chemotherapy which he completed in July.

He said he had entered before being diagnosed but was determined to run to raise money for the centre.

He said: “There were some really dark days when I thought that I wouldn’t run again. As soon as I knew I’d be well enough I decided to run for the centre. It’s been great that I’ve been able to.

“It has been absolutely unbelievable. Both the centre here in Llandough and at Velindre are fantastic and the staff have been unbelievable. I had a 24 hour helpline that I can call whenever I feel like it – knowing it was there was a great help.

“All my family and friends have been unbelievable. The support I have had from everyone had been great.”

Mike, who is a keen runner, said being fit helped him before and during his treatment.

Fitness will be an important part of the new phase for the centre. As well as providing space for research, fundraising and collaboration between teams it will also create a new prescription exercise area.

Dr Sumit Goyal said: “There is growing evidence that prescribing exercise to breast cancer patients can improve their well being, improve tolerance to treatments like chemotherapy and improve survival.

“We are collaborating with Cardiff Met University to set up an exercise prescription programme in the phase two of the breast centre. This, we believe, will of great benefit for our patients.”

A number of people took part in the Cardiff Half Marathon raising thousands of pounds for the centre which was supported by the UHB’s Health Charity.

Maria Battle, the Chair of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, was joined by fundraisers for the official opening.

She said: “The Breast Centre does such fantastic work. It saves and changes lives. We are so lucky that people like Mike, who have already gone through so much, are willing to challenge themselves and fundraise to support the really important work that happens here.

“It is great to see what that care has meant to people – they are now helping us to help others and I want to say such a big thank you to everyone who continues to help the Breast Centre. Many of those there said being cared for at the centre is like being part of a family.

“I would like to say well done to Sumit. It was a heart-warming event and a great testimony to you and your team.”

The Breast Centre team is now preparing for its Gala Ball in December which will be hosted again by Patron and world leading fashion designer Juilen MacDonald.

For more details visit http://www.cardiffbreastcentre.com/forthcoming-events