Federation members invited to ‘invaluable’ breast cancer awareness event

8 May 2024

West Midlands Police officers and staff are invited to a breast cancer awareness event featuring representatives from leading charity CoppaFeel! next week (Tuesday 14 May).

The ‘Boobettes’, a team of CoppaFeel! ambassadors - whose lives have been directly affected by breast cancer - will deliver an educational talk shaped around healthy habits and checking the body for signs of the illness.

The event will take place on Tuesday 14 May at Lloyd House and has been organised by the founder of the Force’s ‘Cancer Club’, Darren, who is urging Federation members and police staff to take advantage of the opportunity to gain invaluable information.

“I know from running the Cancer Club that the most common type among members is breast cancer. It’s vital that both women and men have the knowledge to recognise the signs,” said Darren.

“This is the chance to get first-class advice which could lead to earlier treatment or even prevention.”

CoppaFeel!’s founder Kris Hallenga.

Launched in 2009, CoppaFeel!’s mission is to give everyone the best possible chance of surviving breast cancer. The charity was launched by Kris Hallenga, who was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer at the age of 23 in 2009. Having fought cancer for 15 years, 38-year-old Kris sadly died on Monday 6 May this year.

“Next week’s event will be even more prominent following the sad news that CoppaFeel! founder Kris died earlier this week,” continued Darren.

“Kris dedicated the last 15 years of her life to raising awareness of breast cancer and encouraging people to regularly check their bodies for lumps. I look forward to welcoming the Boobettes to Lloyd House as we continue Kris’s campaign in her honour.”

Members of the Cancer Club will also be present during the event, which is set to run from 10am until 1pm, to touch base with any police officers and staff looking for support in regard to living with cancer. Representatives from the Federation and Unison will also be on hand.

Darren, who recently received the Sam Hughes Inspiration in Policing Bravery Award at the inaugural West Midland’s Police Bravery Awards, for his establishment of the Club at the beginning of last year, has stressed the importance of receiving relevant help tailored to the demands of the Force.

“In addition to events like these, we have quarterly meetings where we will discuss the specific challenges faced by a police officer who has cancer,” he continued, adding: “Policing is a unique institution, so it’s good for staff to have a support system from within.”

Additional information can be found on both CoppaFeel! and the Boobettes here, which members may already recognise from promotional stickers placed around various Force branches.

“I would encourage all West Midlands Police officers and staff to attend because what you will learn may save your life,” Darren ended.