Our Story

What we do

Oxford Breast Buddy Group (OBBG) is a support group run by people affected by breast cancer to support others in need.

We are grateful and fortunate to be surrounded by medical facilities and specialists providing a state-of-the-art evidence-based care to patients with breast cancer. This has resulted in continually improving cancer outcomes.

Psychological healing takes much longer and support needs to be offered outside the hospital setting to be both effective and lasting.  OBBG understands the value and power of human connection and the resultant impact on healing.

We believe as a community with individual experiences, we can come together to provide that resource to support each other.

OBBG provides psychological, emotional and practical support to people who are, or have been, affected by breast cancer. No matter when your treatment was, we understand that worries and stress can linger on long after treatment is over.

We help our members in many different ways, allowing them to tailor our offerings to their individual needs.

Our Journey

OBBG is the brainchild of Professor PG Roy, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at Oxford University Hospitals, UK and Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Oxford. She recognised the psychological, emotional and practical needs of her patients, which often went beyond those provided by statutory authorities. Together, with several patients, she set up OBBG in 2015, gaining charitable status in 2016.

Our Vision

Our vision is for every person diagnosed with breast cancer to receive holistic support throughout their treatment, recovery and afterwards to maximise the well-being of all affected by breast cancer. In addition to conventional medical care, OBBG understands that it takes more than medicine to get well and stay well. We offer support, a network of people on a similar journey, workshops, talks, socials and information.

All our members are very supportive, caring and respectful of each other – our motto is ‘patients supporting patients.

Our Founders & Patrons

Our Trustees

  • Becky Stoddart

    I first met Professor Roy (PG) in 2012 when she started her surgical practice at The Manor hospital. My role then was as a scrub nurse in theatre. We quickly built a very close working relationship. Which has now developed into a great team.

    PG talked about her desire to create a support network for her patients. Which manifested itself in 2015 into the creation of OBBG. There was much discussion about fundraising and exciting plans, culminating in a fundraising cycle to Paris, and I was part of the team of seven. On the back of this I became an OBBG Trustee.

    In September 2023 I organised a walk with over 40 OBBG members, walking over three days along the Thames path. My husband and I managed to reach Richmond, a fabulous trip and we are slowly completing the top and bottom sections.

    I’m a strong believer of walking and the benefits of being outside in our beautiful countryside. Being an OBBG Trustee enables me to further support those who I have had a hand in caring for, and it is a real privilege.

  • Helen Cavendish

    Helen spent many years working for large investment banks.  She now works as an executive, leadership and business coach, based near Oxford. Her management experience forms the foundation of her effectiveness as a coach, partnering with clients to enhance their leadership styles, improve self-awareness, embrace challenges, and increase overall effectiveness and performance.

    Helen also does pro bono work with Return to Work women, helping to rebuild confidence and clarify skills and career direction, enabling a smooth transition back to work after a career break.

    Back in 2017, Helen was treated for breast cancer with a double mastectomy.  Following treatment, she joined Oxford Breast Buddy Group, and has been an active member, gaining huge benefits from the friendships and support.  She was one of the speakers at the 2024 OBBG gala event, sharing her cancer journey and her positive and supportive experience of the OBBG.

    When not working, Helen can found embracing a whole range of swim challenges in interesting parts of the world.

  • Richard Harrington

    It has been a real privilege to serve as an OBBG trustee since 2020. Professor Roy has been a colleague for many years and when she told me about her founding vision for OBBG I was delighted to join and contribute as a Trustee. I am endlessly impressed and inspired by the commitment and enthusiasm of Trustees and Committee members who have forged a truly supportive community for OBBG members in their treatment for breast cancer.

    I have worked as a GP in Thame since 1990, retiring as a partner in 2020 and continuing now as a GP locum. During this 35-year period I have seen enormous changes in the care of women with breast cancer, accelerated by the advent of the Two Week Wait pathway and advances in surgical technique and oncology. For the last 20 years I have been a faculty member of Oxford Medical School, involved with the education of the next generation of doctors who give me great hope for the future of person-centred health care across the NHS and beyond.

  • Karoona Ramah Sleightholme

    Karoona Ramah Sleightholme is the Global Head of Digital Engineering Transformation at Vodafone. She has 20 years of experience in the tech industry, with various leadership roles in digital transformation, IT delivery, and customer engagement. Outside of her professional life, Karoona is a qualified Mindfulness Instructor, specializing in Stress Management and Chronic Pain. She deeply believes in the healing power of meditation, and regularly conducts meditation sessions for the public and for the OBBG community, sharing her knowledge and experience to help others find peace and well-being.

How do we support our Members?

OBBG supports members in a multitude of different ways enabling members to access the support they need for their unique journey. Full details of our talks, meetings and events are available on Instagram and Facebook – or become a member to receive updates via email.

One-To-One
Peer Support

Monthly OBBG
Meetings

Private Facebook
Support Group

Mindfulness
Sessions

Post-Surgery
Recovery Bags

Lend-A-Hand
Coffee Mornings

Breast Support
Cushions

Meditation
Sessions

ReLIVE Meetings

Patient Folders

“Thank you for my bag. The heart-shaped pillow, has made a huge difference, but the whole gesture of the bag - including your hand-written note - felt like an emotional hug from other women and was so very touching and supportive”
— OBBG Member

Our Impact

  • "Breast cancer can be a lonely time. OBBG gave me support, friendship, encouragement and lots of laughter"

    BW

  • "I love the OBBG Lend-a-Hand sessions. Time chatting with people who genuinely understand the journey I am on "

    AS

  • "Thank you Oxford Breast Buddy Group. You were my safe space where I could talk about my fears, during a dark time"

    KH

  • "OBBG is full of seriously impressive, caring women, with smiles on faces, positive attitudes, offering constructive and practical advice and words of encouragement"

    HC

  • "Talking and sharing with people who have a deep understanding is so reassuring and comforting"

    DP

  • "The little heart shaped cushion has been a real Godsend and we have been inseparable for the last 2 weeks"

    LC

  • "I want to express my huge appreciation and say what a really special and wonderful idea the post-operation bags are"

    JW

  • "Patients supporting patients. Talking and sharing with people who have a deep understanding is so reassuring and comforting"

    Anon

  • "The OBBG Wednesday night mindfulness is my time to pause, breath, reflect and reconnect with myself"

    Anon