Mother Daughter, Breast of Friends: Help raise curtain on Wendy’s World - The Musical
That’s the Crowdfunding target to develop the new musical - which ultimately aims to save more lives.
DONATE: Give now to support the Crowdfunder - visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/wendysworldthemusical.
Wendy, a leading campaigner in hereditary breast cancer awareness, has already helped to save the lives of thousands of people after founding the National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline more than 25-years-ago, promoting preventative surgery.
She was one of the first people in the country to have a double mastectomy to avoid breast cancer, following the deaths of her grandmother and mother from the disease.
Daughter Becky, a popular BBC regional radio presenter, underwent the same procedure in 2004 after finding out she had an 80 to 90 percent risk of developing breast cancer.
Their Mother and Daughter, Breast of Friends podcast continues to raise awareness and the latest episode - listen here - introduces Karen and Max Restaino, who explain what inspired them to write the musical.
The new podcast series is sponsored by First Intuition Yorkshire and Humber, led by CEO Lucy Parr. With Lucy's deep connection to the cause, she says First Intuition Yorkshire and Humber, the premier college for aspiring accountants, is honoured to support this initiative.
They will be featured in a few episodes, including discussions on the importance of knowing what to check for and the importance of knowing your family history, alongside an episode about female empowerment and taking control of your health and wellbeing.
Becky said of the new podcast series: “We are immensely grateful to First Intuition and Lucy Parr for their commitment and support.”
She added: “Please help share and consider being one of the first to support 'Wendy’s World' by visiting our crowdfunding page. Every single £1 helps launch the musical production and raise awareness about this vital cause.”
Wendy’s World - The Musical, has already got celebrity backing - (Is This The Way to) Amarillo superstar Tony Christie. St Elmo’s Fire rocker Jon Parr, comedy veteran Bernie Clifton and Shane Nolan, son of Coleen Nolan and Shane Richie, joined members of Sheffield Cancer Choir, and a team of solicitors from supportive Sheffield solicitors Graysons, to sing on a lead song called Check Your Boobs, which will be released on May 27.
It was recorded at Steelworks Studio in Great Longstone and a video was shot at Arbor Low.
North Derbyshire mum Wendy’s pioneering story inspired Karen Restiano and son Max Restiano to write the script and songs for Wendy’s World – The Musical. Now it is hoped to raise funds to put their creation into the development stage in the autumn.
The Restaino family, deeply intertwined with this story, share their own personal connection to the cause.
Karen, after discovering her BRCA1 gene mutation, underwent preventive surgeries - a decision mirrored in her family’s history when her niece, diagnosed with breast cancer at 27, tested positive for the same mutation.
The story took a poignant turn when they realised that the mutation had been passed down from the male side of the family, a revelation that came too late to save Karen’s father from terminal prostate cancer.
Max Restaino, despite his young age, is no stranger to the spotlight, having carved out a notable music career by 27. The musical collaboration between Max and his mother was sparked by a surprising discovery.
Karen saw a video on Becky’s Instagram that highlighted mum Wendy's influential advocacy - connecting the dots between their families' shared histories.
The Restainos hope Wendy’s World will not only entertain but also educate and connect those affected by cancer, those who have faced similar genetic challenges, and anyone who appreciates the power of community and storytelling.
It aims to combine the humour and heart of shows like Calendar Girls with the critical message of hereditary health awareness. Through catchy songs and witty dialogue, the production portrays her transformation from a typical housewife into a trailblazing advocate who changed medical policy and personal lives across the UK.