Registered nurse Yvonne Richards, who recently finished her chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer, hosted a progressive morning tea in Wangaratta on Friday.

About 60 people attended the fundraiser, which started at The Old Town and Country Tavern at 11am before moving on to The Pinsent Hotel mid-afternoon.

Ms Richards said she had organised the Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event during her past six months of treatment.

“I have been very humbled by the generosity of friends and local business who have been amazing with their generosity and support,” she said.

“When I first began planning a cuppa and a piece of bun it was several months ago.

“I just wanted to add one more twist to the extravaganza – after we finished at The Old Town Country Tavern in Greta Road, the progressive morning tea moved up town to The Pinsent Hotel!

”Having two indoor venues ensured everyone stayed warm and dry.  

“The tea was flowing and cakes piled to the sky at both venues.” 

Mrs Richards has said she was very matter-of-fact about her diagnosis, heartened by the ever-improving cure rate due to research and targeted treatment.

With her husband Brett and their daughter Lizzie by her side, Mrs Richards had surgery, chemotherapy and was yet to start radiotherapy.

“The six months just flew and now I can tick that box, I have six weeks off now before radiotherapy and feel like to kid on school holidays!” she said.

One in eight Australian women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and 44 women are expected to be diagnosed every day in 2016.

A North East Health employee, Mrs Richards had no family history of breast cancer and hadn’t been feeling out of the ordinary.

“Everyone in life has hurdles to cross – it’s how we jump the hurdles, where we get advice, who picks us up when we fall, that can make a big difference.”