Rugby MP Mark Pawsey has dressed in pink to lend his support to Breast Cancer Now’s flagship fundraiser, Wear It Pink, which will see thousands of people across the UK adding a splash of pink to their outfits on Friday 20 October and raise vital funds for breast cancer research.
Mark was joined by Sky News presenter and former Olympic gymnast Jacquie Beltrao. Jacquie, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, is lending her support to wear it pink in the hope that thousands of people across the country will take part in the event. Jacquie has a connection to the local area, as she grew up in the nearby city of Coventry.
Anyone can take part in wear it pink, which brings together schools, workplaces and communities. All you need to do is wear something pink, or hold a pink event at home, work or school, and make a donation to Breast Cancer Now. Whatever you do, it will help the charity achieve its aim to ensure that in the future everyone who develops breast cancer will live.
Mark commented after the event:
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. One in eight women will face it in their lifetime, and every year around 11,500 women and 80 men lose their lives to the disease. I was delighted to join Coventry’s Jacquie Beltrao to hear her inspiring story of fighting breast cancer, along with other stories from cancer patients including some from Rugby and Bulkington. I would urge everyone to take part in wear it pink on Friday 20 October, as it is an easy way to support Breast Cancer Now’s vital research.”
Mark concluded:
“I was delighted to learn that in 2016, Rugby and Bulkington residents raised nearly £6,000 for Breast Cancer Now. As a result of continued investment survival rates for cancer have never been higher, but there is clearly more work to do. This year, I hope that we can raise even more and help support Breast Cancer Now to prevent future people losing their lives to breast cancer.”
Jacquie Beltrao added:
“I’m very proud to support wear it pink; it’s a great excuse to dress up in pink and have some fun while raising money for a really important cause. I have had breast cancer myself and following my diagnosis and treatment have become incredibly passionate about raising awareness and funds for research. Wear it pink has raised over £30 million to date for Breast Cancer Now, which is incredible. The event raises funds for the charity’s world-class research, which will hopefully one day put a stop to this dreadful disease.”