Vice Patrons and Ambassadors

Baroness Joan Bakewell DBE, Vice Patron, Breast Cancer Now 

Joan has enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a broadcaster, journalist and author.  

She became a Vice Patron in 2004. Joan has regularly contributed to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer and has written articles and columns to publicise the charity’s campaigns around secondary breast cancer.

“My sister Susan sadly died from breast cancer when she was 58, and close friends are having to deal with the disease on a daily basis. In her memory, I am proud to represent Breast Cancer Now as a Vice Patron and to champion its support services and information that help to improve the lives of people affected by this terrible disease.” 

Cherie Blair CBE KC, Vice Patron, Breast Cancer Now

Cherie is a leading international lawyer and campaigner for women’s rights.  

She became a Vice Patron in 1997 and is dedicated to representing the charity at conferences, fundraising events and campaign launches. 

“My aunt and a close friend both died of breast cancer, so I know what a traumatic effect it can have on a woman and her family. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the UK and is a devastating disease that has taken the lives of so many that we love. That’s why I’m proud to support the charity’s world-class breast cancer research which bring hope for the future.” 

Geri Horner, Vice Patron, Breast Cancer Now

Brit Award-winning singer-songwriter, best-selling author and businesswoman, Geri Horner, made her mark on popular culture with the Spice Girls, selling over 80 million records worldwide, and scoring four UK No.1 solo hits. She has published two best-selling autobiographies and a successful children’s book series. 

She was appointed a Vice Patron in 2000 and has fundraised by donating auction prizes, performing and speaking at events, and has starred in campaign videos.

“I experienced a breast cancer scare when I was 18. I had an emergency operation after discovering a lump in my breast but was lucky that it turned out to be harmless. I was terrified at the time and wish I'd known more about being breast aware. That’s why I’m so committed to supporting Breast Cancer Now and the charity’s fantastic breast checking awareness campaigns.” 

Allan Leighton, Vice Patron, Breast Cancer Now

Chairman of The Cooperative Group, former head of ASDA and plural careerist, Allan has helped the charity raise millions of pounds through ASDA’s annual Tickled Pink fundraising campaign. On a more personal level, Allan has run the London Marathon in support of Breast Cancer Now, and generously donated the proceeds from his books - On Leadership: Practical Wisdom from the People Who Know, Tough Calls and Going Plural -  to the charity.

“I am proud to be a Vice Patron for Breast Cancer Now. This devastating disease is complex and we must all work together to provide support for those affected and find ways to prevent more precious lives being lost.”

Dame Jenni Murray DBE, Vice Patron, Breast Cancer Now 

Journalist, author and broadcaster, Jenni Murray, is a former presenter of Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour (1987 to 2020).   

Jenni was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and was successfully treated with surgery and chemotherapy. She announced her diagnosis live on-air and has written and spoken about her experience of the disease.    

“Following my own diagnosis of and treatment for breast cancer, I know the impact it can have on every aspect of daily life. I'm delighted to offer my support to Breast Cancer Now. The charity’s research is absolutely essential to ensure we can continue to make progress in treating this disease, and that all women live well and for longer after a breast cancer diagnosis.”  

Professor Ian Smith, Vice Patron, Breast Cancer Now

Professor Ian Smith is Professor of Cancer Medicine at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Research. For many years he was also Head of the Breast Unit at The Royal Marsden. His main area of interest has been the development of new treatments for breast cancer in all its stages and he has been a pioneer in the use of pre-operative medical treatment before surgery, particularly for large breast cancers. He has been awarded several international academic honours, he has led major international clinical trials and he has published and lectured widely around the world for many years.

“As an oncologist, I have seen first-hand how funding for research has been vital in keeping us at the forefront of advancing treatment for breast cancer. Breast Cancer Now shares my ambitious goal that if we all act now, by 2050, no-one will die from breast cancer.” 

Kaye Adams, Ambassador, Breast Cancer Now 

Broadcaster and journalist Kaye Adams is an Ambassador for Breast Cancer Now, Scotland.  

She has supported the charity by taking part in both the London and Perthshire Pink Ribbon Walks, as well as hosting the Scotland Fashion Show.  

“I’ve seen through close friends who have been diagnosed with breast cancer just how hard treatment for the disease can be. As an Ambassador, I know that the essential support services provided by the charity mean that people living with the disease will be helped and supported the whole way through their breast cancer experience.” 

Jonathan Ansell, Ambassador, Breast Cancer Now

Jonathan is best known as a member of G4, the male classical quartet that found fame on The X Factor in 2004.   

Jonathan was appointed as an Ambassador in 2009 and has fundraised for the charity by taking part in sport challenges such as the London Marathon and has performed at fundraising events including the charity’s Carols By Candlelight.

“I’m really proud to support Breast Cancer Now. We lost my dad’s twin sister, Aunt Brenda, to breast cancer. Both she and her family were helped hugely by the charity’s services, which provided real practical and emotional support at such a difficult time.” 

Alexandra Burke, Ambassador Breast Cancer Now

Singer and actress, Alexandra Burke became an Ambassador in 2010.  

Alongside Denise Van Outen, Alexandra completed the trek to Machu Picchu in aid of the charity and has starred in Asda’s Tickled Pink campaign.  She has also performed at the London Fashion Show.   

“My auntie Jean had breast cancer and died in my arms in hospital so I’ve seen at close hand how cruel this disease can be.  It was a life-changing moment for my family, and I have since experienced a scare myself. I became a Breast Cancer Now Ambassador because I want to do my part to give back." 

Vanessa Feltz, Ambassador, Breast Cancer Now 

Vanessa presents morning shows on BBC Radio 2 and BBC London and writes a column for the Daily Express.   

She was appointed an Ambassador in 2008 and regularly donates prize money to the charity from her appearances on TV quiz shows, including £150,000 from winning Who Wants to be a Millionaire?  She is a dedicated supporter of the annual London Fashion Show which she has hosted and regularly attends. 

“I have wept as men and women affected by the disease strutted down the catwalk in gorgeous outfits at the London Fashion Show, it’s such an inspiring and powerful event. With all our fundraising efforts, we can ensure the charity can keep providing its incredible support services, so that no one has to face breast cancer alone.” 

Donna Fraser OBE, Ambassador, Breast Cancer Now

Donna was a professional athlete for over 20 years and represented Great Britain in four consecutive Olympics Games.

In 2009 she was diagnosed with DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ), an early form of breast cancer, and underwent a mastectomy. She became an Ambassador in 2012 and has taken part in wear it pink, promotes the Touch, Look, Check awareness message and regularly attends fundraising events including the London Fashion Show and the Pink Ribbon Ball.   

“As someone who has personally been through a diagnosis and treatment for the disease, I know how vital it is to raise money for research, to help Breast Cancer Now reach a day where nobody dies from breast cancer. For me, that day can’t come soon enough.”

Leigh Halfpenny, Ambassador, Breast Cancer Now Cymru

A Welsh Rugby Union player, Leigh has played for the Cardiff Blues, Toulon, Scarlets, Wales and the British and Irish Lions.   

He became an Ambassador for the charity in 2016 and has helped to raise awareness of the charity’s work so that families affected by breast cancer know where they can turn to when they need support.  

“I know from personal experience, when someone close to me was affected by breast cancer, how valuable it is to have the charity’s specialist nurses and local services on hand providing an emotional support network to help you and your family live with, through and beyond breast cancer. It’s such vital source of support for people when they need it most.”  

Michelle Heaton, Ambassador, Breast Cancer Now 

Singer, actress, author and former member of Liberty X, Michelle Heaton became an Ambassador in 2013.  

Discovering she carried the faulty BRCA2 gene, and that as a result she had 80 per cent chance of developing breast cancer and a 30 per cent chance of developing ovarian cancer, Michelle underwent a double mastectomy. She has supported the charity’s fundraising activity including taking part in Asda’s Tickled Pink, wear it pink, and regularly attending the Pink Ribbon Ball.   

“I want to do everything I can to help raise money for Breast Cancer Now’s research, which is helping us learn and understand how to better prevent breast cancer. There is so much hope in this research, and the work that the charity funds could be vital not only to my daughter’s future, but to so many others.” 

Dame Denise Lewis OBE, Ambassador, Breast Cancer Now 

Denise is a gold-medal winning heptathlete and has proudly represented Team GB at the Olympics in 1996, 2000 and 2004.  

Denise became an Ambassador in 2005 and is a regular supporter of Pink Ribbon Walks. She has hosted the London Fashion Show and starred in Asda’s Tickled Pink campaign.

"My grandmother had breast cancer and I have close friends who have been affected too, so I know how terrifying it is to be told a member of your family has the disease and you have so many unanswered questions and concerns. Thankfully, Breast Cancer Now is there to help by providing the highest standard of support and information, which is so reassuring at such a worrying time.” 

Amanda Mealing, Ambassador, Breast Cancer Now

Amanda Mealing is best known for portraying Connie Beauchamp in the BBC dramas Casualty and Holby City.   

Amanda was diagnosed with breast cancer immediately after giving birth to her son in 2002. She underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She became an Ambassador in 2010 and has run the London Marathon three times to raise money for the charity as well as helping to raise awareness by sharing her experience of the disease in the media.

"When I was diagnosed, the first leaflet I received was from the charity - and they have been there for me ever since. I am deeply honoured to give something back to Breast Cancer Now which does so much for people like me affected by the disease.” 

Diana Moran BEM, Ambassador, Breast Cancer Now 

Diana Moran, TV’s original fitness guru “The Green Goddess” first appeared on BBC Breakfast in the ’80s. An all-round television and radio personality, journalist and author, Diana has published 16 health-related books and many fitness videos.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1988 and underwent a double mastectomy. An Ambassador since 2010 Diana has taken part in Pink Ribbon Walks and completed the Trek China Challenge in support of the charity.

"It’s important for women like me who have had breast cancer to understand what they can do during and following treatment. Breast Cancer Now’s superb range of resources offers invaluable information for women at different stages following a diagnosis, as well as offering simple and practical ways to support women to lead a healthy lifestyle.”  

Linda Nolan, Ambassador, Breast Cancer Now

Singer Linda Nolan and her sisters rose to fame in the seventies in pop group The Nolans. She has been a longstanding Breast Cancer Now Ambassador as she and her family have been deeply affected by the disease.

“Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In 2017, she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, and is receiving on-going treatment. She tragically lost her sister Bernie to breast cancer in 2013.  Her sister Anne was also diagnosed with the disease in 2020, twenty years on from her first diagnosis. At the very same time, Linda discovered her secondary breast cancer had spread from her hip to her liver.

“Breast cancer is devastating and can cause such heartbreak. That’s why I am passionate about supporting Breast Cancer Now – to help change the future of this disease. The charity is dedicated to stopping women dying of breast cancer, but also committed to influencing change – particularly for women like me who are living with incurable breast cancer. This gives me great hope.”

Mike Phillips, Ambassador, Breast Cancer Now Cymru

Former Welsh Rugby Union star Mike is regarded as one of the best Welsh scrum halves to have played the game. 

He became an Ambassador for Breast Cancer Now in 2014. Mike has raised money climbing Mount Snowdon and has helped launch a number of key moments on behalf of the charity including World Cancer Day and the 25th Anniversary of the Pink Ribbon.

“Knowing I can help raise awareness and let people know that Breast Cancer Now is there to support anyone affected by the disease is a real honour. Around 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK which I didn’t realise until I became an Ambassador so I do all I can to highlight this.”

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Lisa Riley, Ambassador, Breast Cancer Now 

Lisa, who is best known for playing Mandy Dingle in ITV’s, Emmerdale, became an Ambassador in 2017 and is a dedicated supporter of the charity’s work. Her mother Cath was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and sadly died from the disease in 2012.  

“I know my mum would be so proud that I’m an Ambassador for Breast Cancer Now and I am delighted to support wear it pink each year, which brings together thousands of people to have fun, but also to fundraise for a really important cause. I believe the charity’s research will one day mean that no-one dies of breast cancer, so that other families do not have to face the devastation that this disease can bring.” 

Gaby Roslin, Ambassador, Breast Cancer Now

Television and radio host Gaby Roslin has presented BBC's Children in Need, the National Lottery Draw, and The Saturday Show. She hosts the Sunday afternoon show for BBC Radio London.   

Gaby became an Ambassador in 2012 and has supported the charity’s Touch Look Check, wear it pink and Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaigns.   

“Breast Cancer Now is a charity very close to my heart. I have lost three of my beautiful friends to this horrible and devastating disease, and so it’s important for me to show support for the charity’s vital work in their memory. I’m very proud to be an Ambassador.”   

Lisa Snowdon, Ambassador, Breast Cancer Now

Television and radio presenter and model, Lisa Snowdon, became an Ambassador in 2005. 

Her grandmother sadly died of breast cancer and both her aunt and cousin have been treated for the disease. She has been a passionate supporter of the charity, taking part in Pink Ribbon Walks and starring in Asda’s Tickled Pink campaign.

“Like so many others, my family has been affected by breast cancer. One in seven women are diagnosed with this disease, which is far too many of our mothers, sisters, grandmothers, daughters and friends. As an Ambassador, I encourage people to get advice the moment they find a lump or notice a change in their breasts. Early detection gives treatment the best chance of being successful.”

image credit: photographer Nicky Johnston

Michaela Strachan, Ambassador, Breast Cancer Now

Michaela is part of the presenting team of the BBC wildlife series, Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch. 

She was diagnosed with breast cancer during a routine mammogram in 2014 and underwent a double mastectomy. She has since been the face of the charity’s BBC Lifeline Appeal, and regularly supports wear it pink.

"I decided to share my story and become an Ambassador for Breast Cancer Now. I hope that in doing so I can help to provide hope and strength to other women who find themselves at the start of a breast cancer journey. I was lucky and was diagnosed early but not everyone is so fortunate. This is why I support Breast Cancer Now in reaching its aim that by 2050, everyone who develops breast cancer will live, and will be supported to live well." 

Meera Syal CBE, Ambassador, Breast Cancer Now

Writer and actress, Meera became a household name with the BBC comedy series, Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at Number 42. 

Meera has regularly spoken to the media to highlight the charity’s fundraising and awareness campaigns, as well as support events such the London Fashion Show.

“My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 42 so I understand that it’s truly devastating not only for the person who is diagnosed, but also the family and friends around them. Thankfully, Breast Cancer Now is there for people affected by breast cancer every step of the way. I’m proud to show my support to this very important charity.” 

Denise Van Outen, Ambassador, Breast Cancer Now 

Denise is a television presenter and West End star who has appeared in Chicago and Legally Blonde the Musical.   

She became an Ambassador in 2010 after she trekked to Machu Picchu with fellow Ambassador Alexandra Burke to raise money for the charity. She has also walked many miles at Pink Ribbon Walks and has taken part in campaigns such as the charity’s Strength Through Support TV ad which was directed by Mike Leigh.

“I have been a supporter of Breast Cancer Now since I lost my beloved nan to breast cancer. The charity, which provides specialist information and support, is a great help to families during a very difficult time.”