Julie White urging people to support Britain’s Biggest Breakfast for Cancer Research UK

Britain’s Biggest Breakfast for Cancer Research UK is a fundraising campaign which calls on supporters to host or attend a breakfast event on Friday, March 11, or any time during the month.

Julie White, aged 47, is encouraging Boltonians to to serve up a brekkie bonanza and raise money to help beat cancer sooner.

The charity is looking for people to organise a breakfast party at home, in the office or at school and invite their friends and family to make a donation to attend, with money going towards cancer research.

Mum-of-two Julie was initially diagnosed with cancer in 2011 after finding a lump in her left breast.

She had her breast removed before undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Julie said: "It was a huge shock when I heard the words ‘you have cancer’.

"I couldn’t have got through the experience without the support of my family and friends. It’s thanks to research and treatment that I’m still here today and I can look forward to a future full of special moments with my loved ones."

Julie, who is married to Lee, continued to receive regular check-ups, but was diagnosed with cancer for a second time two years ago.

She once again underwent chemotherapy treatment and is now fighting fit.

She and Lee recently took over a gardening business and to celebrate Julie’s recovery, they have also just enjoyed their first ever holiday as a couple and without their children since getting married 23 years ago.

Every day, around 110 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West and last year, Cancer Research UK spent over £21 million in the North West on research which is helping more men, women and children to survive the disease.

There are over 200 different types of cancer, each with its own methods of diagnosis and treatment, and, according to NHS statistics, in 2011 almost 331,500 people in the UK were diagnosed with the disease.

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been in the heart of that progress.

The organisation receives no Government funding for its research but is the world’s leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research.

According to the charity, more people in the North West are surviving cancer than ever before and today, to in for people survive cancer national.

However, the charity hopes to accelerate progress so that three in four people will survive cancer within the next 20 years.

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North West, said: "We’re urging local folk to follow their lead and invite friends, family and neighbours to take a seat at the breakfast table.

"Every step we take towards beating cancer relies on every hour of research, every pound donated and every person who gets involved.

"That’s why we’re rallying people across the North West to work up an appetite in the fight against cancer. From porridge pros to avocado aficionados, everyone can bring something to the table and help raise much-needed funds for life-saving research.

"A hearty brekkie is a great way to start the day, so it’s time to set the alarm and make your breakfast bigger and better than ever this March."

Cancer Research UK is calling on people across the region to sign up for their free fundraising pack now.

Cancer Research UK’s Britain’s Biggest Breakfast pack contains everything supporters need to plan their perfect breakfast, including posters, decorations, recipe suggestions and fundraising ideas.

To sign up and get a free fundraising pack, visit cruk.org/breakfast.