RAF Benevolent Fund’s Veronica Young shares her story this Breast Cancer Awareness month

To acknowledge the final week of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Veronica Young, a Caseworker based in Scotland, shares her story to spread awareness of the importance of checking your breasts and attending regular screenings.

Veronica, 58, from Eastern Scotland, is a member of the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Community Welfare team, providing specialist caseworker support to members of the RAF Family.

Following her positive breast cancer diagnosis in September 2021, Veronica has undergone several therapies and surgeries, and supports charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support to raise funds for the disease.

Looking back on her diagnosis, Veronica says: “My screening was pushed back by a year because of the COVID lockdown restrictions. By the time I was diagnosed, my cancer was just about caught before it had a chance to get any worse. I was diagnosed on the 10-year anniversary of my father’s death from cancer sadly enough.”

Despite the tough news, Veronica has been determined to commemorate her father’s battle with cancer while also raising awareness of breast cancer through her own journey. Veronica has managed to raise £6000 to support Macmillan, alongside a handful of other charities which support ex-veterans and servicemen, such as the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF Association and SSAFA.

Veronica underwent five months of chemotherapy before having surgery and subsequent radiotherapy and oral chemotherapy tablets, which she is still on now. During every chemotherapy session, Veronica dressed up as a superhero, and she still makes full use of her costumes by wearing them for fundraisers she takes part in. Veronica says: “It was quite a struggle sometimes finding a superhero costume. I dressed up as Harley Quinn with the shortest shorts you’ve ever seen in your life! The final fundraiser I did, I was dressed as Wonder Woman for a swim at Clan Haven – a charity that supports cancer patients with accommodation nearby the hospital. I did a swim for them and raised £530.”

Veronica continues: “Raising awareness about the importance of checking for any lumps and abnormalities and raising funds for charity has been my way of getting through it.”

As an RAF Benevolent Fund Caseworker, Veronica spends a majority of her day-to-day supporting members of the RAF Family through complex issues such as marriage breakdowns, health issues and financial management. Veterans and recovering cancer patients alike have commended Veronica for her vigour and joy.

She recalls: “Sharing my stories with veterans, beneficiaries and people in the radiotherapy waiting rooms has spread a lot of positivity. I hope that people who hear my story are encouraged to check their breasts and attend regular screenings – it could save your life.”