BREAST cancer survivor Lindsay Occleston is asking everyone in Northwich to buy a wholemeal loaf to help in the fight against the disease.

Lindsay is a member of the Roberts family, which owns Rudheath-based Roberts Bakery.

The business had pledged to raise £50,000 to help fund a research project by UK charity Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention.

The charity is based at The Nightingale and Genesis Prevention Centre, Europe’s first purpose-built breast cancer prevention centre, and the project aims to predict a woman’s risk of the disease through analysis of her gene fragments.

Roberts Bakery is raising money for the project through the sale of its special pink-packaged wholemeal loaves, and has raised £17,000 towards its target.

The business is seeking to raise £50,000 as 50,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer across the UK each year. One in 10 women will develop the disease in their lifetime.

“We know that an overall healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight, play an important part in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer,” said Lindsay.

“This includes eating lots of fruit and vegetables, lean protein, oily fish and wholegrain carbohydrates, such as wholemeal bread, brown rice, pasta and potatoes with skins.

“Before I was diagnosed with cancer I did very little exercise, probably ate a little too much of the wrong foods and was a little over-indulgent.

“But I then met with Genesis research dietitian Dr Michelle Harvie, and now follow a healthy, balanced diet, with our wholemeal range playing a big part.

“I’ve lost weight, go to the gym several times a week and enjoy long cycle rides and hiking.

“I’ve always been a happy person, and was content with my life, but my cancer experience changed me into a much more positive person.

“We’re asking everyone in Northwich to help us reach our £50,000 target by buying a wholemeal loaf – every pink pack matters to prevent breast cancer forever.

“We’re also encouraging women to consider their diet and lifestyle – to check their breasts regularly, do more exercise, eat more healthily and attend screening appointments. It’s so important.”

Genesis is the only UK charity dedicated to the prediction, prevention and early detection of breast cancer.

“If residents buy the pink-packaged loaves they will be helping fund research that could change the way we screen for breast cancer in the UK, making it smarter and more effective for future generations,” said Lindsay.