Karen makes a splash with rubber ducks

A Sister at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire is helping to promote breast cancer awareness. Sister Karen Henshall was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2007 following routine screening. Karen is helping to promote Cancer Research UK's new range of 'designer' rubber ducks to raise money for the charity.

The new limited edition ducks were created by Hollywood star Minnie Driver and everyone's favourite landlady Barbara Windsor. The ducks are on sale, priced 4.99 pounds, to raise money for Cancer Research UK's breast cancer awareness and fundraising campaign, 'Join the fight for women's survival.'

A mammogram detected a lump in Karen's right breast and she underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy and then radiotherapy treatment. She made a good recovery and now has annual check-ups. Karen said: "I felt well at the time and had no idea there was anything wrong, so it came as a complete shock when they said there was a lump and I needed treatment.

"I am living proof that research into breast cancer leads to effective treatments and saves lives. But this research is very expensive so Cancer Research UK needs everyone in across Staffordshire to raise money to fund its doctors, nurses and scientists who are working on the front line against the disease. These ducks look gorgeous but have an important message too, as they remind women to be breast aware."

Each year around 4,210 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the West Midlands and more than 45,500 women are diagnosed with the disease in the UK. Around 100 women are diagnosed with the disease each year in Newcastle-Under-Lyme.

Claire Atkinson, Cancer Research UK's spokesperson for Staffordshire, said: "We want to recruit mums, dads, families, friends and work colleagues throughout the region to help raise money.  We want them to step forward and be counted as they 'Join the fight for women's survival.' The message to everyone is clear: Cancer Research UK needs you! Our research is beating breast cancer but we need people to help us fight harder.  Every penny raised will help save more lives in the future."