A WOMAN who helped raise thousands for Ysbyty Glan Clwyd enjoyed a visit to Buckingham Palace as an invited guest just days after she had received a second breast cancer diagnosis.

Sally Smart, 54, who lived in Prestatyn before moving to Tremeirchion, attended a garden party at the palace on Tuesday (May 21) with her partner.

She had helped bring a North Wales group of “breast friends” together after she reached out on social media to people who, like her, had received a breast cancer diagnosis.

Together, they raised more than £30,000 for Glan Clwyd, including by creating and selling a nude calendar.

Rhyl Journal: Sally and her breast friends present the £30,100 cheque to staff at Glan ClwydSally and her breast friends present the £30,100 cheque to staff at Glan Clwyd (Image: Sally Smart)

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Sadly, Sally learnt her cancer had returned shortly before the garden party, but she refused to let that stop her and her partner from having an “amazing” time.

“We had to cut the trip short a little bit to cut back in time for an appointment with my breast surgeon,” she said.

“But the garden party was amazing, and the food was sensational – we went back for seconds! It was such an experience, and the best part of it was talking to such wonderful people.

“The people there with us were so amazing, because everyone’s there for doing something amazing, and it was really nice to hear other people’s stories.

“The Gentleman at Arms said they’d never had anyone there before because of naked flesh, which we had a giggle about!

“I can’t even comprehend why I got to go, really. It doesn’t seem real. All we did was have a load of fun and raise a bit of money - I felt very humbled to be there.”

Rhyl Journal: Sally Smart and her partner at Buckingham PalaceSally Smart and her partner at Buckingham Palace (Image: Sally Smart)

Joining Sally at the party was Prince William; Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie; King Charles III’s niece, Zara Tindall; and a “sea of umbrellas” amid the torrential rain.

While in London, she and her partner enjoyed a stay at The Savoy hotel in London, and also went to see the musical Hamilton.

The national anthem played as the royals came out to meet all of the garden party attendees.

Sally is maintaining a positive mindset to her cancer diagnosis, meanwhile, and knows from her previous experiences at Glan Clwyd that she is in “good hands”.

Rhyl Journal: Sally Smart at Buckingham PalaceSally Smart at Buckingham Palace (Image: Sally Smart)

She added: “We’re just waiting on CT scans, but not knowing if it’s spread is just horrible. In your mind, you go to some pretty dark places.

“But I know I’m in good hands, because the staff at Glan Clwyd are amazing. It’s such a blessing when they can reduce that waiting, because you do fear the worst. The hospital so far have been absolutely incredible.

“At the end of the day, people need to keep checking themselves, even if they’ve already had breast cancer. That’s the most important part of this.

“There’s nothing I can do - except overthink it - and I’m so glad we had the garden party and had a really good time, and made some memories.”