Voiceover artist and actor Donna Louise Bryan is inviting people affected by breast cancer to share the unexpected moments that made them laugh, as she develops a book showing humour can exist alongside treatment, fear and uncertainty.
At a glance
| Who | Donna Louise Bryan, an Oxfordshire-based voiceover artist and actor |
| What she is creating | A book of funny, uplifting and unexpected moments experienced alongside breast cancer |
| Who can contribute | People who have had breast cancer and would like to share a personal story |
| What she is looking for | Moments of humour, connection or joy that occurred during diagnosis, treatment or recovery |
| Charity support | Donna intends to donate a portion of money raised by the book to Breast Cancer Now |
| Local organisation | The project is also raising awareness of The Hummingbird Centre near Bicester |
| Contact Donna | donnalouiseb@gmail.com or call or text 07956 925926 |
An Oxfordshire woman who found moments of laughter during breast cancer treatment is collecting other people’s stories for a new book.
Donna Louise Bryan, 47, was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2023, when she was 45.
She went on to have five months of chemotherapy, targeted treatment with PHESGO, a single mastectomy with implant reconstruction and radiotherapy.
Donna describes the experience as a difficult one that continues to affect her body, identity and everyday life. But alongside the fear, treatment and uncertainty, she also remembers moments of humour that helped her and her family cope.
She now hopes to bring similar stories together in a book that reminds people affected by breast cancer that difficult emotions and laughter do not have to be mutually exclusive.
Finding laughter in the hours after diagnosis
The idea for the book began during Donna’s own treatment.
She noticed that conversations with other people affected by breast cancer often contained moments of warmth and humour alongside discussions about operations, appointments and side effects.
Donna said: “One thing that has stayed with me throughout my own experience is how many people affected by breast cancer have been able to share a laugh alongside the tears.
“Those moments of humour and connection lifted me enormously, and I would love to create something that can do the same for others.”
One of Donna’s own stories comes from the day she received her diagnosis.
Both of her sisters travelled to be with her, despite living one and two hours away. When the first arrived, the sisters hugged and cried in the doorway.
Donna then pulled away and asked: “What the hell was the point in all that kale and broccoli?”
The remark made them both laugh.
When her other sister arrived, there were more tears and another embrace. Donna then looked at her and said: “I didn’t even know boobs THIS small could get it.”
Once again, the sisters found themselves laughing during an otherwise devastating day.
Donna said those moments did not lessen the seriousness of the diagnosis. Instead, they offered brief relief and helped her family feel connected when words were difficult to find.
A call for other people’s breast cancer stories
Donna has already collected a number of accounts and is now appealing for more contributions.
She is interested in funny, uplifting or unexpected moments experienced during any part of a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment or recovery.
The stories do not need to present cancer as positive or easy. The purpose of the project is to acknowledge that laughter can sometimes appear during extremely difficult circumstances.
Donna said: “I am writing this book because I know it will help put a smile on people’s faces while they navigate a difficult time of life.
“I know it sounds very spiritual, but I feel like this is a project I have to do.”
She hopes the finished book will help readers feel less alone, particularly during the periods between appointments or treatments when isolation and uncertainty can feel overwhelming.
How to share a story
Anyone who has experienced breast cancer and would like to discuss contributing can contact Donna directly.
| donnalouiseb@gmail.com | |
| Call or text | 07956 925926 |
| Stories wanted | Funny, uplifting, warm or unexpected moments from diagnosis, treatment or recovery |
| Publication stage | The book is still in development, with no final publication date or publisher announced |
Contributors should share only information they are comfortable discussing and ask how their account may be edited, credited or anonymised before agreeing to its publication.
Humour without minimising cancer
Donna is clear that her book is not intended to dismiss the physical or emotional consequences of breast cancer.
She said: “Nobody prepares you for how much it alters your body, your life, your identity.
“But a lot of good has come out of it. I say yes to things more often now and hopefully this book will go on to help others.”
Humour will not feel helpful or appropriate to everyone, and nobody experiencing cancer should feel pressure to remain cheerful.
The proposed book instead reflects Donna’s own experience and those of contributors who found that a joke, shared misunderstanding or absurd situation briefly made an exhausting period easier.
Mechelle Harris, founder and chief executive of The Hummingbird Centre, said: “We are delighted to support Donna with this wonderful project.
“We know from the people we support just how difficult the journey through cancer treatment and recovery can be, and how important it is to be able to find moments of laughter and joy along the way.”
Money raised will support Breast Cancer Now
Donna says a portion of the money raised by the eventual book will be donated to Breast Cancer Now.
The proposed donation should not be taken to mean the charity is publishing or formally endorsing the book unless a separate partnership is announced.
Breast Cancer Now says around 55,000 women and 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK.
The charity funds research and provides information and support for people affected by breast cancer, including a specialist nurse helpline.
Donna’s project also aims to raise awareness of The Hummingbird Centre in Launton, near Bicester.
Local cancer support at The Hummingbird Centre
The Hummingbird Centre supports people affected by cancer and their families across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
The charity opened in 2014 after founder Mechelle Harris made a promise to her late father, Raymond Hurcombe, to create something positive from the family’s loss.
Its services include counselling, complementary therapies, activities and dedicated support for children and families.
The centre relies heavily on volunteers and donations to provide its services.
Where to find support
| The Hummingbird Centre | Grange Courtyard, Station Road, Launton, Bicester, OX26 5DX |
| Opening hours | Tuesday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm; Friday, 10am to 3.30pm |
| Hummingbird telephone | 01869 244244 |
| Hummingbird email | info@thehummingbirdcentre.org.uk |
| Hummingbird website | thehummingbirdcentre.org.uk |
| Breast Cancer Now nurses | 0808 800 6000 |
| Breast Cancer Now information | breastcancernow.org |
Anyone concerned about a new or unusual change in their breast, chest or armpit should seek medical advice rather than relying on information shared through the book or on social media.
FAQs
Who is Donna Louise Bryan?
Donna is an Oxfordshire-based voiceover artist and actor. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2023, aged 45.
What is her book about?
The book will bring together real funny, uplifting and unexpected moments experienced by people affected by breast cancer.
Is the book already published?
No. It is still in development, and Donna is currently collecting stories. A final publication date and publisher have not been announced.
Who can contribute?
Donna is inviting people who have had breast cancer to contact her about sharing a personal story. Breast cancer can affect people of different genders.
What kind of stories is she seeking?
She is looking for moments of humour, warmth, connection or unexpected joy that occurred alongside diagnosis, treatment or recovery.
Do contributors have to use their real names?
The public appeal does not yet set out detailed terms covering names and anonymity. Anyone considering contributing should discuss this directly with Donna before agreeing to publication.
Will money from the book go to charity?
Donna says a portion of the funds raised by the book will be donated to Breast Cancer Now. The exact amount or percentage has not yet been announced.
How can people contact Donna?
Email donnalouiseb@gmail.com or call or text 07956 925926.
Where can people get cancer support in Oxfordshire?
The Hummingbird Centre in Launton supports people with cancer and their families. It can be contacted on 01869 244244 or through thehummingbirdcentre.org.uk.
