Warrnambool’s Judi Doherty and Pauline Burleigh, both keen bingo players, were both diagnosed with breast cancer.

Thankfully, both are still here to tell the story.

Yesterday, on behalf of the Lucky 7 Cancer Bingo group, the women donated $10,000 to Peter’s Project.

Mrs Burleigh said she initially found a lump in her breast and was a blubbering mess.

“I went to Geelong for radiotherapy,” she said.

“I had family here in Warrnambool. But I had no choice.

“I had a two-bedroom apartment which I stayed in with my friend because my husband was working.

“The treatment takes less than 15 minutes, two minutes even and you’re there for the whole time.

“It makes it very hard.”

For Mrs Doherty her breast cancer was picked up through a routine screening and she underwent treatment in Warrnambool.

Both women agree on the need for an integrated cancer centre in the south-west.

“You need your friends and family when you’re in that situation,” Mrs Burleigh said.

Peter’s Project founder Vicki Jellie said the cause was obviously close to both the women’s hearts and the donation was very generous.

“We’re very grateful for it,” she said.