Sky News sports presenter Jacquie Beltrao swapped the studio for Wembley Stadium as The Football Association launched its official charity partnership with Breast Cancer Care for 2014-16.
Over the next two years, through its new Pass It On campaign, the partnership will reach thousands more people across the country with the charity’s vital breast health awareness message, while raising funds to support women and menfacing breast cancer.
The partnership, for which Breast Cancer Care was selected after a vote among FA staff, aims to raise £500,000.
What does Breast Cancer Care do?
- Supports anyone affected by the disease, and their family and friends
- Provides information and offers emotional and practical support
- Brings people affected by breast cancer together
- Campaigns for improvement in standards of support and care
- Promotes the importance of early detection
Breast Cancer Care supporter Jacquie, who was diagnosed with breast cancer on Christmas Eve last year, said: “Having had my own devastating diagnosis and also losing my aunt to breast cancer, I know first-hand this brutal disease can shatter the lives of the woman diagnosed and also her friends and family.
"That’s why I’m so pleased that The FA and Breast Cancer Care have teamed up to raise awareness and vital funds. One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer, so it’s really important that everyone knows the changes to look and feel for when checking their breasts.
“Early detection can save lives.”
Alex Horne, FA general secretary, said: "On behalf of all at The FA, I am delighted to welcome Breast Cancer Care as our new official charity partner through to July 2016.
“It is a very important charity that provides much-needed free support and information to women and men facing this cruel disease and they made a very compelling proposal that underlined how valuable The FA’s support can be to their nationwide work.
Jacquie Beltrao at Wembley Stadium to launch the partnership
“This includes innovative and exciting ideas about working with us at Wembley and St. George’s Park, as well as across the County FA structure.
“My thanks go to all staff who took part in the voting and in particular to those who will become charity champions to help Breast Cancer Care with their fundraising efforts over the next two years."
Samia al Qadhi, chief executive at Breast Cancer Care said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been chosen as The FA’s charity partner.
“It is a very important charity that provides much-needed free support and information to women and men facing this cruel disease”
Alex Horne FA general secretary
“Over the next two years our highly strategic partnership will help us to reach thousands more women and men across the country with our vital breast health awareness message.
“The funds raised by our partnership, through the football community and staff fundraising, will also help us provide crucial information and support to anyone facing this brutal disease.”
The Pass It On campaign will urge people across the country to pass on life-saving breast health awareness messages to the women in their lives.
It calls on women to check their breasts so they know what is normal for them, and be aware of the changes to look for and get checked.
The partnership will also fund a brand new Breast Awareness Roadshow in 2015 which will see vital breast health information and support services reaching out to communities with especially low awareness levels of breast health.
To support the partnership go to breastcancercare.org.uk/passiton
