London Event Attended by MPs Highlights the Reality of Living with Secondary Breast Cancer

Tansy Main, M2C Community Ambassador living with SBC, Rt Hon. Ian Murray MP, Secretary of State for Scotland; Samantha Dixon, CEO Make 2nds Count – Photo Credit, Innes Reid for Today Agency

Last night (October 16), pioneering charity Make 2nds Counts hosted their empowering Truth Be Told photographic exhibition at London’s Dover House, with key MPs in attendance

Make 2nds Count, a patient and family-focused charity dedicated to giving hope through clinical trial education, knowledge sharing, support and funding research into secondary (metastatic) breast cancer, presented their ‘Truth Be Told’ exhibition last night (October 16) at London’s Dover House, and invited key Members of Parliament to attend as part of the charity’s efforts to raise awareness of this little-known, devastating disease.

Offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of individuals living with secondary breast cancer, the striking imagery – by renowned Northern Irish photographer, Jennifer Willis – shows multiple aspects of life with secondary breast cancer, from moments of vulnerability to displays of unwavering strength. Each image tells a powerful story, inviting viewers to engage with the lived experiences of those affected by the disease.

London-based Sophie Blake, former presenter, campaigner, and secondary breast cancer patient said: “I was honoured to be a guest at the Make 2nds Counts’ Truth Be Told exhibition at London’s Dover House.

“It was incredibly powerful and moving to hear the voices of those living with secondary breast cancer like myself and the hidden impact it can have on our daily lives, behind the smiles.

“It was fantastic to see so many MPs and attendees come along and show their support. Make 2nds Counts is a very special charity dedicated to raising awareness of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer focusing on research, funding trials and supporting the lives of those of us living with it. I thank them for all of their hard work”

The evening was attended by a number of MPs including Baroness Morgan of Drefelin, pharmaceutical organisations Novartis and AstraZeneca, and members of the breast cancer community, and opened with an address by the Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, who praised the work of Make 2nds Count, highlighting the charity’s vital role in raising awareness of secondary breast cancer and providing crucial support to all those impacted by secondary breast cancer.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Make 2nds Count to the Scotland Office. Secondary breast cancer is not widely understood, and Make 2nds Count does fantastic work supporting people with the disease, but also raising awareness and fundraising for treatment. It was inspiring to hear about their work and the stories of those living with secondary breast cancer.”

Samantha Dixon, CEO of Make 2nds Count, followed with an overview of the charity’s mission and its ongoing efforts to raise awareness and advocating for those living with the disease.

Sam added: “This exhibition is not just about showcasing powerful images; it’s about sharing stories that resonate and educate others. We believe that by amplifying these voices, we can foster greater understanding and drive meaningful change in the support and treatment available for patients and their families.”

It is estimated that 61,000 people in the UK are currently living with metastatic breast cancer, also known as secondary or advanced breast cancer, a form of the disease that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. It claims 1,000 lives each month in the UK – that is an average of 31 deaths every day.

Concluding the evening’s speeches, secondary breast cancer patient and ambassador, Tansy Main – whose images are also part of the ‘Truth Be Told’ exhibition – offered a powerful testimony for the charity and shared her personal journey with the disease.

Tansy is just 43 years old and was first diagnosed with primary breast cancer in 2013. Her secondary breast cancer diagnosis, following her 40th birthday, in February 2021, really affected her whole family, including her two daughters.

Reflecting on her participation and work with the charity, Tansy said: “It has been a privilege to share my story as part of this powerful exhibition. It is very hard for people to fully appreciate how mentally and physically exhausting it can be to live with incurable secondary breast cancer – it can be all-consuming – but nothing makes you more grateful for the precious gift of life or more determined to keep fighting in the hope of new treatments to keep you with your loved ones, and that’s why it’s so important to raise greater awareness of this little-known disease.”