MSPs don pink to unite against breast cancer for charity event

A Scottish Government minister diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time praised political leaders from across the spectrum as they united against the disease.

Drugs and alcohol policy minister Christina McKelvie was speaking as MSPs, including First Minister John Swinney and former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, took part in Breast Cancer Now’s annual Wear It Pink event at Holyrood.

Ms McKelvie, who announced she was taking leave this summer after being diagnosed with the disease for a second time, said the support Breast Cancer Now and other charities provide is “absolutely vital” and had helped her when she “needed it the most”.

Around 4,800 people in Scotland are diagnosed with the disease every year, with Ms McKelvie saying: “As someone who has heard the words ‘you have breast cancer’ twice now, I know how devastating this diagnosis can be – which is why it was so important for me to continue to support Wear It Pink in the Scottish Parliament.

“By taking part in Wear It Pink we are united against breast cancer.

“This campaign will help fund Breast Cancer Now’s world-class research and life-changing support services, ensuring everyone diagnosed with breast cancer receives the best possible treatment and care.

“It brings me a tremendous sense of hope that the Scottish Government remains committed to supporting Breast Cancer Now’s aim that by 2050 everyone who is diagnosed with breast cancer will live – and be supported to live well.

“For me, this ambition has never felt more personal from supporting Wear It Pink in the Parliament for more than a decade to experiencing my own journey when diagnosed with breast cancer.

“The support offered by Breast Cancer Now and other organisations to those diagnosed is absolutely vital. I know first-hand, having received it when I needed it the most.”

Claire Rowney, chief executive of Breast Cancer Now, said: “We are so excited to see Wear It Pink return to Holyrood, and incredibly grateful for the support of Christina McKelvie and her fellow MSPs in raising awareness of breast cancer and the vital work that Wear It Pink helps to fund.

“We hope that by wearing pink, they’ll encourage their constituents to also wear it pink in their homes, schools or workplaces on Friday October 18 and help us to increase knowledge of breast cancer and continue to deliver life-changing breast cancer research and support.

“Wear It Pink is a fantastic opportunity for communities across the UK to come together, have fun and show their support for this very important cause.

“By simply wearing something pink and donating what you can, you‘ll help raise much-needed funds and awareness.

“Together we can take another vital stride towards reaching our goal that, by 2050, everyone who is diagnosed breast cancer will live, and be supported to live well.”