Celeb ducks the stars in cancer fight

QUACKERS . . . breast cancer survivor Sharon Quennell with the new range of ducks

A CHADDERTON breast cancer survivor is going quackers for a new range of designer charity rubber ducks.

Sharon Quennell (46) launched the new additions to Cancer Research UK’s Oldham store.

The range includes ducks designed by Hollywood actress Minnie Driver and “EastEnders” star Barbara Windsor.

The ducks are £4.99 each and are emblazoned with the charity’s slogan — “Join The Fight For Women’s Survival”.

They also feature important information on how to be breast aware.

Each year more than 5,250 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the North-West and more than 45,500 women are diagnosed across the UK.

Around 150 women are diagnosed each year in Oldham.

Cancer Research UK’s campaign aims to make all women aware of their risk of breast cancer and raise money to fund lifesaving research.

Sharon was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 at the age of 36 after noticing a lump in her left breast.

Her diagnosis came two years after her mum, Audrey, had been diagnosed and successfully treated for the disease.

Sharon underwent surgery followed by 12 weeks of chemotherapy treatment.

The mum-of-one, who works as a supervisor at Fairfield General Hospital, made a good recovery and earlier this year celebrated 10 years since her diagnosis.

Sharon said: “Having seen my mum go through treatment for breast cancer, I became much more aware of the disease and started to check myself on a regular basis.

“Being diagnosed with cancer and having to undergo a mastectomy at such a young age was extremely difficult, but with great support from family and friends I came through it all.

“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 Oldham to raise money.”

Cancer Research UK’s work has revolutionised treatments for women with breast cancer.

From the pioneering use of mammography in the 1960s to vital clinical trials of drugs, their work has helped save thousands of lives.

Now Sharon hopes people will rally to the cause by buying the limited edition ducks from Cancer Research UK shops or online at www.shoptobeatcancer.org.uk.

She said: “These ducks look gorgeous but have an important message too, as they remind women to be breast aware.”