Julie Stokes, ’50-ish’, is married to Ade with three children, Leah, Nikki and Georgia and one ’gorgeous granddaughter’, Aalise who’s five.

In 2008 Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer, which led her in 2011 to form the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group with a couple of very good friends.

Despite having full time jobs or businesses they have all worked tirelessly as unpaid volunteers to raise over £2 million to build the Manx Breast Unit at Noble’s Hospital and provide Quiet Rooms at Isle of Man and Liverpool John Lennon airports for patients from the island travelling to the UK for treatment using the patient transfer service. Manx Breast Cancer Support won the Charity, Cultural and Social award at last year’s Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence.

Julie is also vice chairman of the Isle of Man Cancer Service User Forum, another group which she says she enjoys being a part of.

She left school at 15 to train to be a hairdresser and started her own business, Scissors in Village Walk, Onchan, when she was 19.

She says: ’I’ve been so lucky as I have loved every minute of it.

’My two elder daughters, Leah and Nikki, are both qualified hairdressers and work with me, as does my best friend, Anne, who is also treasurer of our charity.’

What is your favourite way to relax?

On holiday with Ade and the family somewhere hot! With my best friend Anne and her family.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I love nice cars.

Do you have any pets?

Three big rabbits, Bob, Doris and Coco; two cats, Charlie and Misty, and a beautiful horse called Bounty.

What is your greatest achievement?

My kids! And, together with my friends, raising over £2.3 million.

What is your favourite time of the year?

Spring and summer - I love the light nights.

What is the first job you ever had?

In a hairdressers as a Saturday girl.

Do you have any irrational fears?

Beans next to the egg!

What is your worst habit?

I talk too much.

What is your favourite book?

Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer.

What is your favourite TV programme?

The Apprentice or a good movie.

What is your favourite band/artist at the moment?

Bryan Adams and ELO.

What is your favourite part of the IOM?

All of it.

What was the last show/band that you saw live?

Snow Patrol.

If time/money were no object what would be your perfect day?

Lunch on a nice beach somewhere hot with my family and friends .

Choose three people, dead or alive, to invite to dinner.

My lovely dad, who passed away 2011, my mother in law who I’ve never met and my husband Ade.

Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings?

Harry Potter

Cats or dogs?

Cats

Birthday or Christmas?

Christmas.

Starter or pudding?

Starter.

Quiet night in or a night out?

Night out!

http://manxbreastcancersupportgroup.com/