ON Friday, Sarah Macey will be wearing her wedding dress with pride.

But the 55-year-old from Bitterne won't be walking down the aisle.

She will be attending the Titchfield Breast Cancer Haven Wedding Dress Ball at the Botleigh Grange Hotel.

It has been a whirlwind year but the mother of two, who was diagnosed with cancer in January, but she feels she has a lot to celebrate.

Sarah found a lump in her breast in the shower while on holiday in October.

"I thought 'that's not right', but with coming back home and getting back into work, I thought maybe it was just a bit lumpy and left it for six or seven weeks," she says.

"I was given a fast-track referral in December. The diagnosis was a shock as my mammogram was clear but the radiographer suggested taking a biopsy following the ultrasound, even though she felt there was nothing to be concerned about.

"I went away thinking it was a fatty lump and was supposed to be going on holiday on January 8, but I had a call on January 3, asking me to go in the following day.

"Goodness knows where I could have been if the radiographer hadn't taken the biopsy. It may well have been a very different story!"

After her diagnosis, things moved quickly, with an MRI scan to check that the cancer hadn't spread. The results were due two weeks later, to coincide with pathology lab results of tissue samples to confirm what type of breast cancer Sarah had, and to decide what the best course of treatment would be for her.

"The ten day wait for the results was one that I shall never forget," she says.

"I don't usually wish time away, but that time I did."

The results revealed that Sarah had localised and invasive aggressive cancer that was HER2 positive.

"My understanding was that the majority of women suffer with this form of cancer, and that if caught early enough it's very treatable."

The tumour was tagged so that it could still be traced when shrunk, so that the surgeon can remove the tumour and borderline area.

Sarah was advised that she would have chemotherapy followed by surgery and then radiotherapy.

A self-employed podiatrist, she made a decision to take a year's break from her business, to give her time to have all her treatment and recover.

Sarah recently finished her course of chemotherapy and is on track to have surgery next week.

She has been incredibly impressed by her treatment through the NHS and the support she has received.

"My treatment has been a whirlwind experience and really quick, with a brilliant team within the NHS looking after me. I can't fault the treatment I've received. The oncologists give you as long as you need, You're not just a number, and that's so important.

"The breast cancer nurses really know their stuff, and there is a 24-hour support line. Everyone is so friendly and really puts you at ease."

Sarah has also been supported by Titchfield Breast Cancer Haven. The centre offers free support for anyone affected by breast cancer including emotional support and alternative therapies.

She has had massage and hypnotherapy sessions there and also used it as a bolt hole.

"The Haven for me has been a welcome retreat, and somewhere I feel relaxed and welcome, anytime," she says.

"The first time I went there, a florist had just dropped off some flowers, and I came away with the most beautiful bouquet!

"It's a great place to go if I need quiet time, or want to chat, or to join in events, such as yoga, tai chi and talks.

"When I learnt that they rely on donations, I was really shocked, so decided to spread the word about the Wedding Dress Ball. I thought I might be able to get a few friends to buy tickets. Now I've sold 54! I really wanted to get to 60 once I'd got going, but 54 is pretty good!"

Sarah says she has always been a very positive person, and feels the same way now.

"There will be a lot to celebrate at the ball. Things are moving on with my treatment, so it's all positive.

"You have to be positive, " she adds.

"I've got a great team looking after me.

"I've always been a positive person. I'll always take a negative and find a positive in it. I think it helps with your recovery and also gives comfort to the people around you."

Sarah adds that another reason why she is looking forward to the ball is that it gives her the chance to dress up and feel feminine. And she is delighted that she can still fit into the wedding dress that she wore when she married her husband, Mark, 11 years ago.

"It's important for women to feel feminine," she says.

"Having chemotherapy and losing your hair can make women feel they've had that taken away, so for me, having this opportunity to glam up, put my lippy on, feel girly and put aside the routine of trips to the hospital is really valuable.

"It's a chance to enjoy time with people you care about, whether it's your family or new friends, and everyone is there for the same reason, it's unspoken."

Sarah adds that she made the decision not to wear a wig or bandana when she lost her hair.

"I've always dyed my hair different colours. My mum said before that she never knew what hairstyle I would have when she saw me next, so when I lost my hair, I decided to get lots of colourful hats and wear them, but I have worn hats less since I had my scalp decorated with henna.

"I will be getting it done especially for the ball, and decorated with jewels. I can't wait!"

* Whether newly married and living happily ever after, long-term partners, single,  or just up for a laugh, Breast Cancer Haven, Wessex are hosting their inaugural Wedding Dress Ball Friday 8 June at The Botleigh Grange Hotel. It’s a great opportunity to get dressed up for a good cause. Grooms, father of the Bride, best men also welcome. The evening will include the sounds of a beautiful harpist on arrival,  a drinks reception, delicious three-course meal, DJ, raffle and auction.

If you don't have a wedding dress, just wear your best wedding day attire, cocktail dress or evening dress, the choice is yours. All funds raised during the evening will go to Breast Cancer Haven. Tickets are £45 per person, or £400 for a table of ten. For tickets, contact Sharon.hillboulton@breastcancerhaven.org.uk or call 01329 559303