How Tickled Pink awareness campaign led to Asda colleague Donna's breast cancer diagnosis
The Tickled Pink awareness posters displayed in Asda St Leonards-on-Sea in East Sussex played a huge part in colleague Donna McGovern's decision to check herself – and when she did she found a small lump in her breast which turned out to be cancerous.
Seeing those reminders every day helped her to recognise what to look out for and encouraged her to take action.
In August last year Donna, who's 46, found a tiny lump, less than a centimetre, just under her nipple. At first, she thought it might be a harmless cyst, something that would disappear on its own, but after a few days it remained so, with a gentle nudge from her partner, John, she made the decision to visit her GP.
A mammogram and biopsies were carried out, and within three weeks she found out she had Stage 1 breast cancer.
In October, she underwent a full mastectomy, along with the removal of four lymph nodes under her arm, and then started chemotherapy.
Donna has a daughter Hannah, who's 21, a son Declan, who's 15, and a stepson William, who's 14.
She said: "My mum had breast cancer at about the same age as me so I was kind of aware, but I'm one those people who think everything's okay and never go to a doctor. I see all the Tickled Pink stuff at work every day. The posters are everywhere, even the toilets. You can't miss them. Their message worked as it made me very aware, and so I thought I'd better check myself. I'd like to think that a lot of our customers are seeing the messages too and checking themselves.
"The earlier you catch things, the easier it is to deal with it. Thankfully I caught mine early, so it was relatively easy to get rid of.
"Tickled Pink is a great charity and it's brilliant in raising awareness. I've always supported Tickled Pink in the store and worn the T shirts, we all do here. Our community champion Wendy always makes sure we are up for it."
Following her breast cancer diagnosis Donna not only had support of her family but from colleagues like Beth Graves, who visited for company and a cuppa, and Ruth Reynolds who, every week, brought lunch and kept her spirits up while she was off work.
She also had unwavering support from Adam Caney, the store's operations manager (pictured above with Donna). From the moment Donna received her diagnosis, Adam made sure she felt safe, supported, and able to talk openly about what she was going through.
He checked in on her partner John whenever he came into store, offering help and understanding. Having supported his own wife, Sarah, through breast cancer, Adam was able to share guidance, reassurance, and lived experience – even introducing Sarah to Donna during one of their visits to Asda.
Seven months after her diagnosis, Donna returned to work. She said having Adam there to support her with any worries or work‑related concerns made a world of difference, helping her transition back with confidence and comfort.
She said: "Adam was amazing. He really was brilliant, I can't fault the man at all.
"I love being back at work, I was getting bored! I've had a couple of regular customers come up to me with flowers and chocolates saying they glad to see me back."
Asda Tickled Pink is the partnership between Asda, Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel! and this year we’re celebrating our 30th anniversary! That’s 30 years of reminding more people to check their boobs, pecs or chests. 30 years of helping more people find breast health information and support when they need it. And 30 years of raising money that powers world-class research, vital education and life-changing support.