A RAFFLE and awareness session led to a boost for Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust’s (WWL) "In Pink" campaign.

Staff from Sainsbury’s Haydock Depot welcomed Patient Navigator for the South Lancashire Breast Screening Unit, Janet Ellison, for an informational session to highlight the importance of regular breast screening and a quiz to check their knowledge.

Alongside this, a raffle was held on the day with prizes including pink gins, a pink orchid and even a pink themed pamper hamper.

The £328, raised in just one day, has been donated to the "In Pink" campaign run by WWL’s hospital charity, Three Wishes.

Janet has been in regular contact with staff from Sainsbury’s after the depot donated Pink Lady apples as part of the "In Pink" campaign back in 2018.

The fundraising campaign was established to generate funds to purchase an additional ultrasound machine alongside other equipment for the service based at WWL’s Thomas Linacre Centre.

The new machine will help to improve the numbers of patients that can be seen, help to identify abnormalities quicker, and reduce waiting times.

The "In Pink" is a campaign close to the heart of many staff including fleet administrator Jennie Calderbank, who was diagnosed with the disease almost 13 years ago.

Having worked at the depot for almost 20 years Jennie was the perfect candidate to help out with the fundraising alongside communication co-ordinator, Sandra Fairhurst.

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Jennie said: “Breast cancer is something that has touched the lives of so many of my colleagues.

“The entire team at WWL really looked after me so I’m always happy to help to raise some funds for their very worthy causes.”

After the success of Janet’s visit, talks are already underway to schedule another date and another bout of fundraising.

Speaking about the donation Janet said: “I can’t thank the Sainsbury’s superstars enough for supporting our ‘In Pink’ campaign.

“It’s wonderful to be invited in to raise awareness on the importance of breast screening but the staff have such a good team spirit and were all keen to help us with our goal of purchasing an additional ultrasound machine.”

The South Lancashire Breast Screening Unit offers screening around Wigan and Lancashire including; Chorley, Penwortham, Ormskirk and Skelmersdale.

In certain areas of Lancashire, fewer than half of women aged 50 to 70 attend to be screened every three years, even though screening is free, fast and easily accessible.

If anyone requires further information about breast screening, contact the South Lancashire Breast Screening Unit at the Thomas Linacre Centre, Wigan on 01942 774 713, or contact your own GP.