Scotland's first bespoke breast cancer service opens in Edinburgh

Scotland’s first bespoke bespoke support and wellbeing service for those impacted by breast cancer has officially opened in Edinburgh.

The House of Hope based on Edinburgh’s Gorgie Road is a long held ambition of founder Lisa Fleming, who herself was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017 – at the time she was given just six months to live.

After a soft launch in June, with services such as fitness classes, massage groups and a wig salon offered to guests since, the house officially opened its doors last week.

The charity has also welcomed its first patron, GP and Strictly Come Dancing star Dr Punam Krishan.

Lisa Fleming told STV News: “I feel a sense of pride that we’ll be able to provide that service, because it is filling that gap which was so desperately needed.

“The NHS does not have the operational resources or funding to provide additional holistic care and support for breast cancer patients in and around Edinburgh.

“The House of Hope will help to fill this void, providing the much-needed community space and compassionate support we know is so vital for patients and their families.

“Every day I walk in, I do have that moment and think, ‘we’ve done it.'”

Lisa says the House of Hope is also a reminder of the friends she’s lost to cancer.

“If we can continue to keep all their little legacies alive, then we’re doing something really special,” she said.

The House of Hope charity was inspired by London’s first-ever specialised breast cancer centre, Future Dreams House, which offers support through a range of services for women affected by breast cancer, including counselling, yoga, massage, nutrition advice, and peer support groups.

Dr Punam said: “As a doctor it comforts me that I’ve got somewhere to send my patients to should they be needing that extra support.

“I can say do you know what, there’s this community over there, feels like a home.”

Bringing the House of Hope to this stage involved a range of fundraising activities.

It will also be used by other cancer charities for events.

One of the first guests to make use of the house is Mairi Clare Lee, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023.

After a number of treatments, she was then told last November that her cancer had spread to her brain.

“So far, the chemo seems to be working, and the radiotherapy and all the other stuff. My last scan was good, but it is secondary breast cancer, so it’ll never go away entirely.”

The support of the community at the House of Hope has been a real help for Mairi Clare during that time.

“It’s just great to come some place where – although I have brought my family here too – it’s nice to come and speak to people who get it and understand what’s going on.”