AN annual breast cancer fundraiser that sees Witney turned pink could be axed unless more volunteers are found.

Organisers of Witney in Pink Day said this October’s day of street collections could be the last.

The event – in its 13th year – raises about £6,000 a year for Abingdon-based Against Breast Cancer research charity.

Shops and homes are decorated pink – the colour of breast cancer campaigners – and participants collect cash from shoppers.

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Organiser Jeanne Chattoe – who has battled the disease – said its organising committee has fallen from eight last year to five this year. It has 20 volunteers but needs another ten, she added.

The Woodstock Road resident, 65, said: “Unfortunately, unless we get more help, it will be our last one. I think people would be quite sad if it did not happen. I would be gutted. I think people would miss it. We would lose an amazing community event.”

Volunteers are still needed for this year’s event, on Saturday, October 4, including helping to blow up 1,000 pink balloons on the previous Friday.

She said: “Almost everybody has been affected or knows someone who has died from breast cancer. It touches so many people.

“It’s such a lovely community event because it gives people a chance to talk to other people about breast cancer and it’s helping such a good cause.”

She launched Witney Action Group, which raises money for Against Breast Cancer, 14 years ago in memory of sister and Witney mum-of-two Delia Winkler, who died, aged 41, in 1994.

Mrs Chattoe fought and beat the disease twice, 15 years ago and again last year. She raised £200,000 over ten years before she launched the group and has raised another £200,000 with it.

She said: “I just hope that one day an answer is found.

“I’m determined one day women are not going to have to go through what my sister and I went through. I don’t want people to live in fear of breast cancer. It’s frightening.”

Rosa Ashby of Rosa Flowers, in Wesley Walk, will sell 120 pink roses on the day and last year raised £600.

She said: “It will be an awful shame if it does not go ahead again. It will be a great loss to the community because a lot of people look forward to Pink Day.

“I think it is amazing that Jeanne has worked so hard for the charity and it’s very good that she had raised so much.”

The fundraiser will take place between 9.30am and 5.30pm and will be opened by the Mayor of Witney, Jeanette Baker.

To get involved email jchattoe@hotmail.com or call 01993 848 539.

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