THE Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare will join 70 venues, sites and monuments this month and proudly light up in the distinctive pink, purple and teal of a charity funding research into breast cancer.

Make 2nds Count is a patient and family-focused charity dedicated to giving hope through clinical trial education, knowledge sharing, support and funding research into secondary (metastatic) breast cancer.

On Sunday, October 13, Secondary (metastatic) Breast Cancer Awareness Day and the only day of the year dedicated to raising awareness on secondary breast cancer.

The Grand Pier in Weston-Super-Mare will support the "Shine a Light" initiative which – as part of their “1,000 Truths” campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) - seeks to raise awareness of the reality of incurable secondary (metastatic) breast cancer, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, support and funding for research.

Make 2nds Count is dedicated to supporting patients living with secondary breast cancer (SBC), Also known as ‘stage 4’ or ‘advanced breast cancer’, secondary (metastatic) breast cancer occurs when cancer spreads from beyond the breast to other parts of the body.

The disease is incurable but treatable, and symptoms can vary from person to person.

An estimated 61,000 people in the UK are living with this condition, which claims 1,000 lives every month.

Additionally, a recent survey showed that 38 per cent did not know what secondary breast cancer was, and 21 per cent did not know what symptoms to look for.

Make 2nds Count aims to ignite empathy and amplify the voices of those affected and this year’s "1,000 Truths" campaign shares personal stories of patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

Mikka Butcher, a patient from the South West, said: “I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2021 after I found a lump while breastfeeding.

“By the end of that year, it had already spread to my lungs and bones.

“Although I’m stable on my current treatment, my greatest wish is to be there for my son and daughter as they grow up.

“The ‘1000 Truths’ campaign is incredibly important to me because I want to show the world that there is still life after diagnosis.

“It’s never too late to pursue the things you love, and I want to raise awareness among younger generations to advocate for themselves, listen to their bodies, and never take anything for granted.”

Sam Dixon, CEO of Make 2nds Count, further emphasised the significance of the campaign: "These illuminated landmarks represent a beacon of hope for the tens of thousands affected by secondary breast (metastatic) cancer.

“Through our ‘1,000 Truths’ campaign, we also want to bring the personal stories of patients to the forefront, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every life is honoured.

“By shining a light on secondary breast cancer, we hope to raise awareness, build a more empowered community, and ultimately improve the lives of those living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer."

The community is invited to participate by visiting the illuminated landmarks on October 13, sharing photos on social media using the hashtag #ShineALight, and engaging with the “1,000 Truths” stories on the Make 2nds Count website.

This campaign offers a powerful platform to honour the stories of those living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer and to spark hope for a future where no more lives are lost to this disease.

For more information about Shine a Light, “1,000 Truths”, or to get involved, visit https://make2ndscount.co.uk/news/bcam-2024