Meet Campaign's volunteers

John Helm, Northamptonshire

John has volunteered for Campaign for the past six years, fitting this in around his full-time job in the Royal Navy. John began fundraising for the charity by taking part in a parachute jump, a sponsored walk and the charity's Life Cycle event. John has also represented us at national and local events.

John says,
"When breast cancer affected my family I wanted to do something to help eradicate this disease. I began by raising money for Campaign but soon realised that one of the best ways to help the charity was to give them my time. Volunteering gives me the chance to meet others touched by breast cancer and enables me to help the charity to make a real difference."

Sev Kanay, London

Sev is a great example of an 'event helper'. She has helped at a number of events in her area including the London Marathon, our annual Pink Ribbon® Ball and the Spirit of Christmas show at Earls Court. We rely on volunteers such as Sev to help us cheer on our runners as well as support other fundraisers at national events across the UK.

Sev says,
"Participating as a volunteer for Campaign is extremely worthwhile; helping to raise funds for a cure for cancer has to be important for future generations. I have been a volunteer for over two years and enjoy being at the events, it is a fulfilling experience".

Sarah Akhtar, Staffordshire

Sarah is a very active fundraiser who has held her own events, such as a sixties disco and quiz nights, and organised extremely successful street and supermarket collections in her area. She has also supported Campaign's new Friendship Walks programme by organising a walk in her local area that raised over £2,000.

Sarah says,
"I had breast cancer in 1988 but was lucky enough to be treated successfully. What I do now for Campaign is my way of saying 'thanks, I'm still here'".

Liz Norton, Nottinghamshire

Liz's goal is to raise £20,000 in memory of her mother who lost her battle against breast cancer 20 years ago. So far, she has organised collections, a sponsored head shave, pink parties and a ball, which was so successful it has become an annual event. To date, Liz has raised £23,000 - well over her initial target - and has signed up as a volunteer to continue supporting Campaign in any way she can.

Liz says,
"You don't know how rewarding fundraising is until you try it. No matter how big or small your event is, just go for it and have a laugh. Get people to help and you'll be supported all the way by Campaign. I would recommend it to everyone"

Ten Abreast Fundraising Group, Tyne and Wear

Ten Abreast was formed in 2005 by a group of friends who wanted to raise funds for Campaign after a number of people they knew were affected by breast cancer. The group decided to take part in the BUPA Great North Run and held a number of events raising over £11,000. This money has been put towards a local research project at the University of Newcastle through our Adopt a Project scheme.

Jan says,
"Pat said that she knew within an hour that she had breast cancer. Once she had told us, her close friends, we all said how sad we were to hear this news. Pat didn't want 'tea and sympathy' but said, 'let's fundraise instead' and so Ten Abreast was formed."