Suffolk Business Women, part of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, is hosting a business networking lunch to hear from a breast surgeon who was diagnosed with breast cancer, and her inspirational journey to becoming a 2016 Woman of Achievement.

Taking place on November 30 at Trinity Park in Ipswich with all profits going to Cancer Campaign in Suffolk, the event will raise awareness of breast cancer as Liz O’Riordan shares her story. An experienced medical professional at Ipswich Hospital, Liz was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2015 and discovered that the patient experience was something completely different to what she was expecting.

Liz has been praised for her subsequent work in helping doctors and patients understand what having cancer is really like and has spoken at several national and international conferences, including her ‘Jar of Joy’ TEDx talk in Stuttgart. In October of this year, Liz was invited to the ‘Women of the Year’ lunch in London to be recognised as a 2016 Woman of Achievement.

Amanda Ankin, Head of Chamber Services at Suffolk Chamber explained how pleased the organisation was to have booked such an inspirational speaker: “Suffolk Business Women exists to promote the role of women in the workplace and to encourage and inspire business women as they achieve their goals.

“Suffolk Chamber supports its wide range of business members within the Suffolk community to be aware of the challenges their staff may face in the workplace, and to encourage businesses to ensure all staff, regardless of gender and responsibilities, have the opportunity to contribute fully. It is evidenced that a committed and motivated workforce can help a business to grow economically, and Suffolk Business Women, as part of the Suffolk Chamber family, aims to achieve just that.

“Liz’s story will be an inspiration to our attendees, and will provide a guide to how businesses can better understand and help their staff and others who have been diagnosed with cancer.

“We are also looking forward, on the back of Liz’s talk, to raising as much money as possible on the day for Cancer Campaign in Suffolk.”

Suffolk Chamber member Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa in Newmarket provide specialist spa days for people undergoing treatment for cancer or post-treatment and has offered an excellent raffle prize at the event of a champagne spa day for two at their luxury spa.

Suffolk Chamber’s Suffolk Business Women’s networking event takes place at Trinity Park Conference Centre, Ipswich, from 11.30am onwards on November 30.

It is open to both members and non-members of Suffolk Chamber and to men and women who are interested in matters that impact on business women. Places can be reserved by going to: https://www.suffolkchamber.co.uk/events-networking/suffolk-chamber-events/suffolk-business-women-november-networking-lunch