A WIRRAL mum who had a double mastectomy has raised more than £3,000 as a thank you to Wirral University Teaching Hospital’s specialist Breast Centre where she was treated.

Pam Betts, 57, from Wallasey had the help of family and friends in hosting her own X Factor style event called the Y Factor.

The mum of three wanted to raise cash for the Trust’s Clatterbridge Hospital site to help others who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

With a significant history of breast cancer in her family Pam had lived her life with the fear that she may get it.

In her 40s she began getting screened regularly and in February 2015 a tumour was discovered in her breast.

As a result Pam underwent a lumpectomy and also received radiotherapy.

However a family member developed breast cancer in her second breast Pam realised that she may also develop it in her other breast.

She said: “I’ve lived all my life in fear of breast cancer and I felt that I didn’t want to carry on and have mammograms forever, as I belong to a high family history risk group.

“So I came to the decision to have a double mastectomy to reduce the risk of cancer coming back.

“I decided that I didn’t want to live the rest of my life with the fear of it.

“The greatest support has been from my husband.

“The biggest stigma around it is the worry that you won’t feel like yourself anymore. Since Angelina Jolie had it done, it was discussed more amongst friends.

“After discussing it with a specialist breast cancer nurse I had counselling before the operation and my husband came with me.”

Pam underwent surgery in August 2016.

She added: “You think it’s going to be worse than it is. I thought I would wake up and my chest would be really sore.

“The staff were really good. I wasn’t in pain or anything. They were so lovely.

“The biggest thing after the operation was the first time I saw myself and that happened in the clinic.

“That was the biggest hurdle after the operation. The nurse sat with me and supported me during that. I actually just looked down and thought it looked very neat.

“I’ve still not fully recovered physically yet as it can take quite a few months to get your mobility back.”

Around 100 people attended the Y Factor event which was held at the Grosvenor ballroom in Wallasey.

Two of Pam’s nieces also had their heads shaved at the event.

Pam said: “I was quite lucky.

“As I was recovering I could go and have nice days out with my family but some women can’t afford that. I know the unit helps women with that and those things help.

“After all the support I had from the centre I just wanted them to have that money.”

Head of fundraising at Wirral University Teaching Hospital Victoria Burrows said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Pam and her family for their amazing fundraising event.

“This was such a wonderful , thoughtful thing to do and I would like to wish Pam all the very best in her recovery.”