Breakthrough Breast Cancer
Overview
Breakthrough Breast Cancer is the United Kingdom's leading breast cancer charity committed to fighting breast cancer through research, campaigning and education.
Its essence comes from the thousands of people who are committed to a single vision - to work for a future free from the fear of breast cancer.
History
The Breakthrough Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research Centre, at the Institute of Cancer Research, is the result of more than ten years' work by Breakthrough Breast Cancer and its supporters. Breakthrough was the vision of Bill Freedman and his children. Bill's wife, Toby Robins, died from breast cancer in 1986. Together with Professor Barry Gusterson of the Institute of Cancer Research, Bill recognised that a new approach was needed to tackle this disease.
Their vision was of a centre of excellence for breast cancer research, with experts working under one roof on a coordinated programme of research. Breakthrough Breast Cancer was founded to make this a reality.
In addition to the Breakthrough Research Centre, Breakthrough has made some impressive progress in campaigning for better breast cancer services. In November 2003, Breakthrough’s Campaigns & Advocacy Network was formed when the UK Breast Cancer Coalition (UKBCC) merged with Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
Supporting Breakthrough
Join Breakthrough Campaigns & Advocacy Network (CAN)
Breakthrough Campaigns & Advocacy Network (Breakthrough CAN) is a community of individuals and organisations who want to make a difference to breast cancer services, treatment and research by campaigning for improvements. Find out more by visiting www.breakthrough.org.uk/can
Fundraise in your community
Raise £1,000 for someone you love - Take the initiative in your community and help Breakthrough reach its goals while having fun, making friends, learning new skills and fulfilling one of your ambitions, all at the same time! Find out more by visiting www.breakthrough.org.uk/challenge
Join or start a Breakthrough Group in your area - Meet like-minded men and women, learn new skills and make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Breakthrough Groups are teams of dedicated women and men, who play a vital role in raising funds for our research and building awareness of breast cancer in their local area. Find out more by visiting www.breakthrough.org.uk/groups
Support Breakthrough with a donation
There are many ways you can donate to Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Please give what you can. Your support will help us to continue our vital work and help us achieve our vision of a future free from the fear of breast cancer. To find out more about the different ways to donate to Breakthrough Breast Cancer please visit www.breakthrough.org.uk/donating/
Events
You can organise a Pink Party with your friends, cycle through the beautiful English countryside on the annual Breakthrough London to Cambridge Bike Ride, organise a Crocus Walk in the spring time, have an adventurous trek or soar through the skies on a parachute jump.
Whichever event you decide to take part in, you will not only take on a challenge but help Breakthrough achieve its vision. Find out more about Breakthrough's events, visit www.breakthrough.org.uk/events/
Volunteer
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities at Breakthrough's head office, where you will work closely with teams on ongoing regular work or short-term projects.
You can really help in the fight for a future free from the fear of breast cancer by becoming a regional volunteer for Breakthrough.
Further information
Breakthrough Breast Cancer
info@breakthrough.org.uk
Tel: 020 7025 2400 Fax: 020 7025 2401
246 High Holborn London WC1V 7EX
Trivia
During 2007, Middlesex County Cricket Club wore pink shirts during their Twenty20 matches to raise awareness of breast cancer.