Steadfastly pink! – we join in the joyful celebration of Witney in Pink Day’s 25th anniversary
By Denise Barkley of Against Breast Cancer’s Witney Action Team
This year marks my 19th year helping to organise our town’s much-loved community fundraiser – Witney in Pink Day. I joined the team with two friends, Sue Tedd and Sandy Bradshaw, and the three of us are still passionate about turning the town perfectly pink on one fun-filled day each year!
This year it’s on Saturday, September 27, and it’s a very special one – our 25th anniversary! In that time £300,000 has been raised for the Abingdon-based charity Against Breast Cancer’s (ABC) vital research to improve detection, treatment and increase survival from breast cancer.
My own impetus was losing my Mum to breast cancer when I was in my mid-20s. It’s such a wicked, indiscriminate disease and every penny counts in the hunt for a cure.
Jeanne Chattoe is our red-haired fighter
It was through my job as a local journalist that I met the inspirational Jeanne Chattoe, trustee of ABC and chair of the Witney Action Team. Everyone in Witney knows Jeanne – her red hair is her trademark and she’s a true fighter whose steadfast commitment to fundraising began 32 years ago following the death of her sister Delia from the disease aged just 41.
Since then Jeanne has twice fought breast cancer herself, forging on regardless as she spearheaded raising the staggering total of £1m from a whole variety of events over the years. Her fashion shows at Witney Leisure Centre were a legendary feature on the calendar for many years and, with the backing of her team, there’s been pink gala balls, ladies’ dinners, vintage teas and much more . . .
Jeanne’s unstinting efforts were marked in the best way possible two years ago when she was named in the King’s Birthday Honours List and presented with the British Empire Medal at a glittering Blenheim Palace ceremony. Members of the Witney Action Team celebrated with a special pink afternoon tea.
From left, Sandy Bradshaw, Sue Tedd, Laura Hounam, Denise Barkley and Jeanne Chattoe
‘The town unites behind us – it’s simply brilliant!’
We’re delighted that Witney Museum are supporting Pink Day this year with a display of Pink Day photos, pink cupcakes and the chance for youngsters to make a pink badge or hairclip. Do wear something pink and join in the fun on Saturday, September 27th anytime between 10am-3pm.
Then wander up into the town centre where there’s a packed programme of entertainment throughout the day. As always it will be decked out with hundred of biodegradable pink balloons and the local shops will compete to win the ultimate prize – best decorated pink window. New this year are a pink-themed dog show on Church Green and the spectacular Brazilian drumming band Sol Samba will be leading a fantastic line-up of street entertainment.
“Witney in Pink Day is a magical event – the support each year is tremendous and unwavering,” said Jeanne. “Lots of shops and businesses have their own fundraisers too, the town unites behind us and it’s simply brilliant!”
