Lesley Joseph, Breast Cancer Care champion, writes:

Like many others, I have had family and friends affected by breast cancer, which is why I am encouraging everyone – with a little help from Linda and Pauline – to grab their favourite girls, dress up and hold their own fabulous Big Pink to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Care.

A Big Pink could be a dress-down day at work, a lunch, brunch or cosy night in at home – anything goes, so long as it is pink and you are all having fun.

Join in on Friday, October 16, or choose any date in October that suits.

Every year 55,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer, and the number of those living with a diagnosis is on the rise – so there has never been a more urgent time to support the work of Breast Cancer Care, which provides vital care, ­support and information for those affected from day one.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – so really, there is no better time to show you care. You can get your free starter kit at: www.breastcancercare.org.uk/thebigpink.

Please join me and lend your support – it is incredibly important.