Breast Friends Colchester Boogie Bingo night raises vital funds

Breast Friends took over the top floor venue of Three Wise Monkeys, in the High Street, to host its inaugural Boogie Bingo evening.

The sold-out event, organised by group member Kelly Clark with a little help from her Breast Friends, attracted roughly 70 players.

Fun - Two bingo players at Breast Friends' Boogie Bingo evening Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix (Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix)
Game - A group of friends hoping their numbers will come up Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix (Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix)
Enjoyment - A woman cuts some shapes during Breast Friends' Boogie Bingo night Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix (Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix)
True to its title, the night provided those in attendance with plenty of opportunities to boogie, with musical interludes sound-tracking certain number calls. 

When compere Dave Garlick called the number 22, for example, a snippet of Taylor Swift’s hit single of the same name was blasted out by DJ Chris Russell.

On-stage dancers wearing disco ball helmets also performed carefully choreographed routines to each track while whipping the crowd into a fun-loving frenzy.  

Speech - compere for the evening Dave Garlick, pictured alongside Janine Aldis and Chris Russell addresses the crowd Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix (Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix)
Support - Friends enjoying the Boogie Bingo night Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix (Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix)

Delight - A lucky bingo player after her win Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix (Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix)
Caroline Sturman, co-founder of Breast Friends alongside Janine Aldis, was delighted with how the evening went, saying she is “beyond thrilled”.

“Boogie Bingo was an absolute hit and so much more than just a fun night out,” she added.

“It really showcased what Breast Friends is all about - people pulling together, having a great time, and supporting each other in big ways.

Pals - Caroline Sturman and Janine Aldis, co-founders of Breast Friends (Image: Public)

Bonkers - Two on-stage dancers with disco ball helmets kept the crowd entertained throughout the night Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix (Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix)
Dancing queens - A table of bingo players enjoy their evening Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix (Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix)
“Huge thanks to Kelly for organising the evening and whose journey with us, from receiving support to being a key part of our team, really embodies what we're all about.”

In total the joyous event raised more than £1,300 through ticket sales and a raffle, money which will now be put towards helping women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Caroline said: “These generous funds will help us continue to offer our surgery and menopause kits along with the virtual peer support hubs and community-based events which provide a vital space for people affected by breast cancer to connect, chat and share experiences.

Pose - Two friends smile for the camera at the Boogie Bingo night Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix (Image: Joyce Moore / Photos_by_JJ_Phoenix)
“So much more than just services, these really are lifelines for those navigating the challenges that come with a breast cancer diagnosis. 

“Events like Boogie Bingo are so important, not just for the incredible funds they raise, but for raising awareness about the essential peer support network Breast Friends offers, ensuring those that need us know we exist.”

To find out more information about Breast Friends visit breastfriends.co.uk or head to facebook.com/BreastFriendsCIC.