March 02, 2020

Extraordinary Lives - Debbie Dowie

Background

My name is Debbie Dowie, I am 52 years old and I have been married to my husband Iain for 27years. I have 2 boys Ollie who is 26 and Will who is 23. I have always worked in voluntary fundraising. After I was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago, I decided to set up a brand new charity called Boot Out Breast Cancer.

The NHS is in great need of the latest diagnostic equipment, so I decided to turn my experience with breast cancer into a positive one and Boot Out Breast Cancer was born. I now have a team of 7 friends and we are all determined to make a difference. Each of us is committed to fundraising and to making sure that every penny raised is spent on some much needed equipment in the NHS. Our aim is to provide equipment for as many breast cancer units in NHS Hospitals as possible. For example, my charity has agreed to purchase a £100,000 liquid handling platform for the Breakthrough Breast Cancer research department based at the Christie Hospital.

I met OMGTea founder Katherine when she was working as a fundraiser for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Katherine and I share a lot in common. Both our husbands played sport professionally, we have two sporty boys and a very close family. Katherine’s mum is also a survivor of breast cancer.

Katherine and I are very passionate about fundraising. I have also recently joined The Healthy Life Foundation, of which Katherine is the founding member.

The OMGTea 60 Second Interview

1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Sitting around the dining table with my husband Iain and my sons Ollie and Will enjoying a home cooked meal discussing various topics..

2. Do you live to work or work to live?

Working as a volunteer I certainly work to live.

3. What one thing are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about my family; enjoying quality time with them.

4. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement is setting up a brand new charity called Boot Out Breast Cancer after I was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago. Thrilled that only last month the Charity has raised over £1 million, all donated to NHS hospitals.

5. Who's the person you would most like to share a cup of matcha with and why?

Barbra Streisand, I have enjoyed her music through the decades at poignant times in my life. I also love her philanthropic work, not only through her own foundation but donating to many other charities too. A true inspiration.

6. What is the best piece of advice you could give someone?

Be kind to people, treat others how you want to be treated yourself.

7. If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?

Healing for sure......enabling me to help everyone suffering in pain mentally and physically.

8. What is your motto?

Live well, laugh often and love a lot!

For more information on Boot Out Breast Cancer go to www.bootoutbreastcancer.org.uk