BREAST Cancer Awareness Month is fast approaching and, as someone who has been affected by breast cancer, I would urge you to support Cancer Research UK's Stride for Life at Witton Country park, Blackburn, on Sunday, October 20.

I had a double mastectomy in 1998 and since my recovery I have gone on to run the London Marathon on several occasions.

The Blackburn Stride for Life is, however, a more gentle 10-kilometre sponsored walk, ideal for all the family to take part in and the hotline number to register is 0845 602 1940 or just e-mail on strideforlife@cancer.org.uk.

There are 40 Strides throughout the country with the aim of raising £1 million for Cancer Research UK, which is the major funder of breast cancer treatment in the UK, spending £15 million annually.

So please support Stride for Life on October 20.

PATSY CALTON, MP, for Cancer Research UK.