First buses to help raise funds and awareness for two breast cancer charities in Norfolk

David Freezer Monday, October 29, 2012
11:00 AM

The new pink First bus service will be helping to raise support and awareness for two breast cancer charities tomorrow.

First buses will be raising funds for Breast Cancer Awareness on its 'pink' buses on the Pink Line route. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY

The number 11, 11a and 11b services between Sprowston and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) were branded as pink when the new colour-coded Norwich bus network was introduced by First in September.

With pink being the colour that has become intrinsically linked with breast cancer fundraising, First are using this to campaign for Breast Cancer Care and the NNUH as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

First have chosen to support local charity Norwich Breast Cancer Patient Support Fund, which is based at the NNUH and funds local support groups helping local breast cancer patients.

Mary Wood, breast care nurse specialist at NNUH, said: “The Norwich Breast Cancer Patient Support Fund was set up in 1992, by a practice nurse who had had breast cancer.

“The money is held in an endowment fund at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, where it is administered by the breast care nursing team and the finance department.

“The money is used to fund support groups, provide travel expenses and specialist clothing, helping to improve the quality of life for local patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer. We are very grateful to First Buses for their donation.”

Bus drivers will wear pink Breast Cancer Awareness T-shirts and collection tins will be provided on all First Norwich buses for passengers to donate any spare money.

Cliff Hussey, general manager in Norfolk and Lowestoft for First UK Bus, added: “I am delighted to support such a meaningful charity, and raise awareness for a cause so close to most people’s hearts.

“Our new pink line bus route in Norwich perfectly demonstrates the link between Norwich city centre and the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, and I hope we can raise lots of money for the Norwich Breast Cancer Patient Support Fund and the Breast Cancer Awareness charities.”

For information, go to www.firstgroup.com, follow @FirstNorwich on Twitter or call First customer services on 08456 020 121.

Are you holding a fundraising event? Contact reporter Rosa McMahon on 01603 772495 or rosa.mcmahon@archant.co.uk