STUDENTS across the North West have been busy fundraising for Bolton Breast Unit — after their teacher successfully battled the disease.

Students at Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools in Chorley, Preston and Oldham took part in a fundraising day after their principal Kate Parkinson inspired them.

Mrs Parkinson — a mum from Bolton — was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer aged 31 last July and received all her treatment at Bolton Breast Unit and The Christie.

She went back to work in January and the students at the theatre schools decided to raise money for the two good causes.

They took part in a ‘Bring A Friend Day’ taking their pals along to thheir drama classes and raising £600 for Bolton Breast Unit.

Surgeon Clare Garnsey said: “This money is going to be used to buy a lamp which we can use to assist in surgery."

Mrs Parkinson said: "This is just a small token of my appreciation to the staff at Bolton Breast Unit.

"I cannot thank them enough for all they have done for me, my family and other young mothers diagnosed with this awful disease."

Mrs Parkinson now plans on doing some other fundraising events, and raising awareness about breast cancer in young women in the future and is running the Race for Life with her daughters and nieces in June.