Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon, and Robert Buckland, MP for South Swindon, have dressed in pink to lend their 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.
The pair are encouraging constituents in Swindon to join them, and sign up to take part in the UK’s biggest pink fundraiser. The event, which takes place during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is in its 16th year and has raised over £30 million to date for Breast Cancer Now’s life-saving research.
Robert and Justin, showed their support for the thousands of women and men affected by breast cancer each year, encouraging people across the UK to take part on “wear it pink” day.
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, you’re helping the charity achieve its aim that, if we all act now, by 2050 everyone who develops breast cancer will live.
Also in attendance was 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.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. One in eight women will face it in their lifetime and men can also be diagnosed. Every year around 11,500 women and 80 men lose their lives to the disease. This is why I’m urging everyone in Swindon to take part in wear it pink on Friday 20 October.
Robert Buckland MP said: “It’s such a fun and easy way to support Breast Cancer Now’s vital research, and help stop breast cancer taking the lives of those we love.”
Jacquie Beltrao said: “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. That is why I’m asking people across the country join me, and the MPs who took part in Westminster, by adding a splash of pink to their outfits on “wear it pink” day and donating to Breast Cancer Now. I hope lots of people across the UK take part!”
Baroness Delyth Morgan, Chief Executive at Breast Cancer Now, said: “It is fantastic that so many MPs dressed up in pink at our Westminster “wear it pink” event and we are really grateful for all of the support and enthusiasm shown. We hope that by wearing pink, Robert and Justin will encourage their constituents in Swindon to get involved in their local community and help us fund life-saving research this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Wear it pink is a wonderful opportunity for communities across the UK to come together and have fun, whilst showing their support for everyone affected by breast cancer. Simply by wearing something pink and donating, you’re raising funds for life-saving research and helping Breast Cancer Now reach our goal that, by 2050, everyone who develops breast cancer will live.”
To take part in wear it pink this October, please visit wearitpink.org/2017 for further details, fundraising ideas and how to register for your free fundraising pack.
