Unless you’ve been living on another planet for the last few years, you will be aware that October marks Breast Cancer Campaign’s action month.  The event aims to raise awareness about the devastating disease, its effects and ways to prevent it throughout October.

Last night London’s skyline was speckled with pink as its most famous landmarks were lit up in support of the UK’s leading breast cancer research charity.  Buckingham Palace, Nelson’s Column, the Tower of London and the BT Tower were among the capital’s icons that were bathed in a rosy pink glow.

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I am sure there will be plenty of fundraising activities going on in your area, but you can also donate whatever you can afford on the Breast Cancer Campaign website at: http://www.breastcancercampaign.org/about-us.  The money is vital as the statistics speak for themselves:

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer
• Around 47,700 women and 340 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year
• One woman in eight will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime
• Around 12,000 women and 90 men will die from breast cancer each year
• More people are surviving breast cancer than ever before
• 80% of people with breast cancer are still alive five years after diagnosis
• People are surviving longer thanks to advances in research, new treatments, earlier diagnosis, breast screening and breast cancer awareness

As one of the 80% – it is now almost 10 years since my diagnosis – I would urge you to give generously to help people like me survive this horrible disease and, in time, find a way to prevent it.  Thank you.