This year is a big year for Tickled Pink and we’re trying to raise more money than ever with the theme “Challenge yourself!” – which is all about coming up with fun and physical events to help the cause.

The Tickled Pink campaign supports the work of two charities – Breast Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Campaign – and the money raised really does make a huge difference.

Jayne from Liverpool (pictured near left with her daughter Summer) says: “If it wasn’t for Tickled Pink I wouldn’t be here today.” Read Jayne’s story. And Maria (who’s pictured far left taking part in Breast Cancer Care’s London Fashion Show) says the support she’s received through the charity helped rebuild her shattered confidence. “It helped me feel a lot less alone,” she says. Read her story.

Asda colleagues have already been responding to the “Challenge yourself!” message by walking, cycling and even breaking world records to raise money for Tickled Pink.

Senior meat buyer Jim Viggars and his colleagues set a new Guinness World Record when they paddled the length of Loch Ness in kayaks to raise £134,000 for Tickled Pink. Here’s how they did it

more Posted by Anna on 17 June 2010, 10:04

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Jayne, from Liverpool, provides a great example of the impact Tickled Pink can have – “If it wasn’t for Tickled Pink I wouldn’t be here,” she says. “It was because of Asda that I started to check my breasts.”

Jayne always bought Tickled Pink products at her local Asda store, and it was awareness of the messages behind the campaign that prompted her to start regularly checking her breasts.

In 2007 she found a lump and immediately went to the doctors to have it examined. Unfortunately for Jayne, she didn’t receive a proper diagnosis for at least another 18 months.

“I thought I was going to die because I knew I’d had it for 18 months to two years.” However, Jayne’s cancer was not the most aggressive form of the disease and, having undergone 12 weeks of treatment, there is now only a 5% chance that her cancer will return.

more Posted by Anna on 14 June 2010, 16:32

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Maria, from Cheshire, was made aware of Breast Cancer Care – one of the two charities Tickled Pink supports – when she was diagnosed with the disease in 2004.

She recommends their website as the best place for women to find support when they’re first diagnosed, and also for friends and family who are looking for more information.

Maria says: “Cancer wipes out your confidence – I didn’t expect it to but it really did happen.”

She attended a two-day younger Women’s Forum held by Breast Cancer Care for women under 40 who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The forum in Nottingham provided advice and support sessions from doctors and other healthcare professionals, and an opportunity to meet women going through the same experience.

Maria says: “It was so helpful meeting other women – it helped me feel a lot less alone.”

One of the most positive experiences was taking part in the annual Breast Cancer Care fashion show.

“Getting out on that catwalk with 1000 people cheering, you come out on cloud nine. It really helps your strength and confidence.” Maria now volunteers and helps out at the event each year.

Maria would love to see more Breast Cancer Care projects being funded in more regions around the country to reach out to as many women as possible. “It does so much for women with breast cancer.”

It’s now five years since Maria’s diagnosis and she’s hoping to receive the all-clear in August. “I’m still scared, but it will be very liberating – I’ve beaten it.”

Posted by Anna on 14 June 2010, 15:39

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Every year hundreds of women take part in Pink Ribbonwalks to raise money for Breast Cancer Care – one of our two Tickled Pink charities – and this year 40 Asda colleagues joined a 500-strong turnout of walkers at Harewood House in West Yorkshire.

The walk, on Saturday 5 June, was one of four Pink Ribbonwalk events across the country where the participants have either experienced breast cancer themselves or know someone who has.

Asda Chief Financial Officer Judith McKenna was there to sound the starting claxon and take part in the 10-mile walk.

Fifteen of the Asda colleagues started earlier in the day on a 20-day walk, with the rest setting out on the 10-mile walk in the afternoon. Check out the gallery for some action shots.

Click on a thumbnail to view full image, then click Next to view more.

For more information about the work Tickled Pink supports, visit Asda’s charities website.

Posted by Anna on 14 June 2010, 12:27

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