Stars unite on red carpet to beat breast cancer

Press Release For immediate release: 11 October 2009 Press contact: Louise Garrahan, Media Relations Officer, Breast Cancer Campaign, DD 0207 749 3724, Email: lgarrahan@breastcancercampaign.org Stars unite on red carpet to beat breast cancer Martine McCutcheon and a host of fellow celebrities stepped out in style on Saturday (10 October) to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Breast Cancer Campaign’s annual Pink Ribbon Ball. The Olivier Award-winning actress was joined by stars from the world of sport and television, including Linford Christie, his niece and Miss England 2009 winner, Rachel Christie, singer Liz McClarnon, DJ Sonique and former Strictly Come Dancing winner Camilla Dallerup with fiancé Kevin Sacre, to help raise awareness of breast cancer at the lavish black tie event at the Dorchester Hotel. On the night Martine, who is Patron of the ball, welcomed guests and hosted the VIP reception before enjoying a four course dinner and entertainment by all-female classical quartet, Bond. Martine chose to support Breast Cancer Campaign after a few friends and a close family friend had breast cancer. She said on the night: “It was an honour to be invited tonight and even more of an honour to be the Patron. I’ve lost some very dear people to breast cancer – they were all fighters, so I’ve chosen to take their strength with me and help raise awareness. I hope people will take notice because this disease can be stopped with vital breast cancer research.” This year marked the 15th anniversary of the ball which has raised more than £1.18 million for breast cancer research. DJ Sonique, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, added: “Research is so necessary because I’ve needed it. I’m not the only person here tonight who has ever had breast cancer but I’d urge all women to check their breasts – life is very important. It’s been a fabulous evening spent in great company for a truly worthwhile cause.” The ball has raised £155,000 in 2009. For more information about Breast Cancer Campaign’s Pink Ribbon Ball, please call the Press Office on 0207 749 4115 or visit www.breastcancercampaign.org ENDS Picture captions Picture 1: Martine McCutcheon Picture 2: Sonique Picture 3: Rachel Christie Picture 4: Linford Christie Picture 5: Camilla Dallerup and Kevin Sacre Picture 6: Liz McClarnon Notes to editors • Breast Cancer Campaign aims to beat breast cancer by funding innovative world-class research to understand how breast cancer develops, leading to improved diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure • Currently it supports 115 research projects, worth over £15.8 million, in 44 centres of excellence across the UK and Ireland • Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and accounts for nearly one in three of all cancers in women • In the UK, nearly 46,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year - that’s 125 a day • Visit www.breastcancercampaign.org • Read Chief Executive Pamela Goldberg’s blog http://pamelagoldbergblog.blogspot.com/