A THANKFUL family showed their gratitude in a practical way after wife and mum Debbie Bunn was saved from breast cancer.

Husband Andrew and sons Will, 25, and Tom, 22, wanted to thank the dedicated hospital staff at Northallerton’s Friarage Hospital who had done so much to help.

So together with close family friend Jim O’Brien they headed for the Lake District – and successfully climbed 17 Wainwright Fells in 17 hours.

And their exhausting efforts raised £4,220 to help future patients at the hospital’s Scott Suite breast cancer unit, which has now been open for 17 years.

Mrs Bunn, 52, went for a routine mammogram in January this year and was called back to further tests, which confirmed she had breast cancer. Following treatment at the unit she has now been given a clean bill of health.

“As a family, we wanted to do something to say thank you to the staff, but also to raise awareness and highlight how important it is women attend for routine mammograms on time,” said Mr Bunn.

“If Debbie had waited for another six months her cancer would have been at the aggressive stage.”

Mrs Bunn added: “The support from the staff was second to none and I am very grateful. They didn’t just help to treat me, but their support actually helped to treat the whole family.”

She added: “It’s a comfortable place where no one judges you and everyone is treated as a person with individual needs.”

The family also wanted to thank the suite for the support the specialist nurses in breast care - Judith Curtis and Louise Sadler - were to the extended family throughout the good times and bad.

Ms Curtis said: “The generosity of local people and the support we receive from them never ceases to amaze me.

“We would like congratulate Andrew, Will and Tom on their achievement and say a big thank you for this wonderful donation. We are glad Debbie is keeping well and wish her all the best for the future.”