Workers raised more than £15,000 for Breast Cancer Haven in support of a colleague who had cancer.

Emerald Publishing, based in Bingley, named the organisation as its charity of the year for 2009 after Andrea Barraclough was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago.

She said: “Following my diagnosis with breast cancer in February 2007, it has been tough. And as much as I have had support from family and friends it is sometimes very difficult to talk about how you really feel. Breast Cancer Haven offered me the support I needed.

“I have benefited so much from the expertise of the specialist nurses and therapists and from meeting others going through a similar experience. For the first time I felt I wasn’t alone.”

Breast Cancer Haven is free to anyone affected by breast cancer, offering counselling, therapies, support and information.

Last year Emerald employees held raffles, a curry lunch, a Wimbledon day, bun sales and other sponsored events. A charity auction raised £2,500. Jane King, Yorkshire fundraising executive at Breast Cancer Haven, said: “Emerald has supported us in many ways throughout our year-long partnership.

“They have helped to spread the word about Breast Cancer Haven across the county, for which we are so very grateful. The money they have raised will enable us to help more women in Yorkshire who are living with breast cancer.”

Anyone who has been affected by breast cancer, or knows someone who could benefit from the services Breast Cancer Haven provides, can call (0113) 2847829 for more information.