Fundraising focus this time to help those with breast cancer

Previous funds raised from the Pink Ladies’ Sunset Coastal Walk, which has been held every two years since 2001, have gone towards equipment for the hospital to help with diagnostics and treatment.

‘We are proud to have helped women affected by breast cancer in the Bailiwick by raising nearly half a million pounds so far,’ treasurer Doreen Le Poidevin said.

‘Over the last few years we have worked with the States to improve facilities for women undergoing investigation and screening by refurbishing the Guernsey Breast Unit and providing state-of-the-art equipment.

‘This year we want to focus on ways to support women living with cancer and after a breast cancer diagnosis and are working with professionals and other charity partners on projects to improve support and help available.’

Although this time the Pink Ladies are not fundraising for a particular item, they wholeheartedly believe supporting people with and after cancer is fundamental to recovery.

‘We want to put money towards discovering how we can best work together in supporting both men and women on the island living with breast cancer,’ walk facilitator Karen Leach added.

Data released in 2017 showed that the death rate from breast cancer in Guernsey is lower than in the south-west and in England as a whole.

The age-standardised rate is 31 per 100,000, compared with 45 in the south-west and 46 across England.

Around nine women in Guernsey die from breast cancer each year, according to the Channel Islands Cancer Registration Report 2017.