A woman determined to make a difference to the lives of cancer patients has raised thousands of pounds for the hospital where she was treated. 

Nadia Karby underwent a masectomy earlier this year after a mammogram in Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone revealed she could have cancer.

The 52-year-old Higham's Park, who has been attending routine exams at the clinic for the past 10 years, was given the all-clear by doctors a few weeks after the operation.

She said: “When I got the diagnosis I was angry, scared and wondering what the future held.

“The thought of not having a breast when I awoke was awful.”

Refusing to let the traumatic experience get the better of her, she set about fundraising for the hospital’s breast cancer unit and spent two days cooking for 70 guests at a garden party which raised £3,300.

“My dream is to open a restaurant, so this was great practice,” said Nadia.

Recognising the discomfort fellow patients experience while travelling with ‘drain bags’  Nadia came up with a creative way to disguise them.

The bags which are used to collect fluids that drain from the body after surgery involving the removal of tissue, are hidden by many patients in plastic bags when they travel, which struck Nadia as “undignified”.

Using her sewing skills she began making pretty covers to disguise the drain bags and donated them to patients at Whipps.

“I bought some fabric, ribbon and little silver pendants with the word ‘believe’ on them,” she said.

“My friend helped me sew them, and together we made about 40 bags.”

“I’m also looking to launch a breast cancer awareness drive for secondary school girls – it’s so important that we drive this awareness to help more people get treatment as soon as possible.”