Pink Buddies

Former breast cancer patients at London Bridge Hospital, known as the “Pink Buddies” are organising a charity ball to raise vital funds for younger women diagnosed with the disease.

Breast cancer is the number one cancer amongst young women in the UK. It will affect over 2000 women under the age of 40 each year. Such low numbers mean that the experience can be particularly isolating and distressing for these young women. They have very specific needs, such as help finding information about fertility, dealing with a young family whilst undergoing treatment and dealing with the devastating loss of femininity on such a young body. The Lavender Trust helps young women in particular to maintain a positive body image and lifestyle, key issues for all women dealing with breast cancer. Pink Buddies counts a number of young women amongst its volunteers, and the group decided that The Lavender Trust should be a key focus for fundraising over the next 3 years.

Lorna Jones, one of the Pink Buddies, says: "Our chosen charity for the next three years is The Lavender Trust which does a fantastic job in providing support to younger women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. I was diagnosed at 29, at a time when there was very little support available and I had to seek out my own support network. I went through surgery, chemotherapy & radiotherapy and have SURVIVED. I’ve since had 2 children, post treatment. I was lucky, I was strong. Many young women are unable to find that strength by themselves and it is key that we raise funds to support the work of this important charity."

Pink Buddies is made up of volunteers of mixed ages who, like Lorna, were treated for breast cancer at London Bridge Hospital. They will be hosting the Pink Buddies Ball on Friday 15th October, 2010 at the newly refurbished Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, London.

Pink Buddies is looking for corporate sponsors and high value auction prizes to be donated by businesses.

"There are heaps of opportunities for businesses to get involved – and obviously we want people to support the event by simply coming along."

The Pink Buddies Ball will include live entertainment, a disco and a three course dinner. The MC for the evening will be Mr Paul Farris of Paul Farris Entertainment (www.paulfarris.tv & 020 8622 4481)

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lorna Jones, Event Director on 07525 430 124 or lorna.jones@pinkbuddies.co.uk.