Cancer survivors from the Devizes area are urging townsfolk and businesses to help them raise funds by turning the town pink next month.

Cancer Research UK is organising Pink Week in the town from October 9. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month nationally.

Among the high-profile supporters of the event are Wiltshire councillor Laura Mayes and former High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Lady Ruth Hawley.

Mrs Mayes, 43, from Roundway village, was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago. She had a mastectomy but was spared radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

She said: “They caught it very early and for that I am very grateful. 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 to raise money to fund its doctors, nurses and scientists who are working on the front line against the disease.”

Lady Hawley, who lives in Little Cheverell, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994 and the bottom dropped out of her world. She said: “In those days people didn’t talk about cancer.

“You just got on with things, but just at that time I was asked to sponsor someone driving an aid truck to Romania. I determined that, if I got cured, I would drive a truck there myself, and I did.”

Clive Boyes, chairman of the Devizes committee of Cancer Research UK, said: “Businesses can support by simply displaying pink balloons, awareness leaflets and a collection box or they can go the extra mile and organise their own fundraising event.

“The Bear Hotel is kick-starting the week with a pink fundraising ball on Saturday October 9. Guests can enjoy a three-course meal and bid for fantastic prizes in an auction.”

For more information visit www.jointhefight.org.uk or call 08701 60 20 40.