A Southport cancer survivor is backing Cancer Research UK’s campaign for World Cancer Day - and urging people to join him by donating or wearing the charity’s Unity Band on February 4.

Grandfather-of-nine, Peter Breaden (pictured with Barney the dog) wants everyone to show solidarity with other people diagnosed with cancer.

The Unity Band is available in three different colours – pink, navy and blue, and can be worn in memory of a loved one, to celebrate people who’ve overcome cancer or in support of those going through treatment.

Every year, around 41,000 people are diagnosed with the disease in the North West. By donating or getting a Unity Band, people across the region will be raising money to help get life-saving research back on track after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cancer Research UK expects to see its fundraising income decline by a staggering £300m over the next three years, which could put future breakthroughs at risk for people like Peter.
Peter, aged 71, who lives in Churchtown, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2010. He took part in a clinical trial to test a combination of chemotherapy drugs which led to a new standard of care being recommended for people like him.

The retired NHS hospital laboratory manager who's married to Alwena with three children told QLocal: "It’s because of improvements in treatment that I’m still here today, enjoying doing all the things that are so dear to me.

"It’s upsetting to think about research being slowed down and what this might mean for people like me in the months and years to come.

“So, I would like people across Southport to show their support on World Cancer Day and help make a real difference to people with cancer. They can get a Unity Band or find more information via https://cruk.org/worldcancerday.”

World Cancer Day is an international initiative, uniting people around the world on 4 February to beat the disease. In the UK, survival has doubled in the last 40 years and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. But right now, research is under threat.
One in two people in the UK will get cancer in their lifetime, which is why the charity is absolutely determined to continue to create better cancer treatments for tomorrow.

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Southport, said: “COVID-19 has hit us hard, so we are very grateful to Peter for his ongoing support and helping to underline the stark reality of the current situation.

“Our research has played a role in developing 8 of the world’s top 10 cancer drugs and we’re working every day to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease. But we can’t do it alone.

“By donating to mark World Cancer Day people will be funding world-class research to help more people, like Peter, survive. Together, we will beat cancer.”

Donate or get a Unity Band online at https://cruk.org/worldcancerday