Clwyd West MS Darren Millar helped charity Breast Cancer Now promote their national annual fundraiser ‘Wear it Pink’ Day this week by swapping his usual attire for something pink. 

Darren donned a pink cowboy hat to show his support for ‘Wear it Pink’ at Breast Cancer Now’s event in the Senedd yesterday. 

‘Wear it Pink’ is a single day when thousands of people come together in workplaces, schools, homes and communities across the UK to wear pink, raise money and show their support for Breast Cancer Now. This year it will take place on Friday, October 18th. 

Darren said: 

“The ‘Wear it Pink’ fundraiser is a wonderful opportunity for communities across the UK to come together and have fun, whilst showing their support for everyone affected by breast cancer. Simply by wearing something pink and donating, those who take part are raising funds for life-saving research and helping Breast Cancer Now reach its goal that, by 2050, everyone who develops breast cancer will live.

“As well as raising much needed funds for life-changing breast cancer research and support, the event also helps raise awareness of breast cancer, its symptoms, and the importance of screening. 

“It is important that we encourage more women to take up breast cancer screening, particularly as uptake has been declining in recent years. Latest figures show that 67.1% of people attended breast screening when invited in 2020/21 in Wales, down from 73.2% in 2011/12. This is below the minimum standard required of 70%, with the target set at 80%. 

“In 2020/21, 46% of women in Wales who were invited for their first breast screening appointment attended. Women who don’t attend their first screening appointment are less likely to do so in the future. It was encouraging to hear that 68.2% of people attend breast screening when invited in 2020/21 in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, although this is still below the target.   

“It was concerning to learn that only 57.3% of patients started their first definitive treatment within 62 days of first being suspected of breast cancer in Wales (January – June 24), which is lower than the same period in 2023. This is below the target of at least 75% of patient starting treatment within 62 days of first being suspected of cancer.  In BCUHB 68.4% of patients started their first definitive treatment within 62 dayss of first being suspected of breast cancer (January – June 2024).  

“I encourage people in Clwyd West to support Wear it Pink this year. Simply by wearing something pink and donating, you’re raising funds for life-saving research.”