SHE was diagnosed with breast cancer just before Christmas Day last year and has first-hand experience of losing a loved one to the disease.
So it comes as no surprise that Jacquie Beltrao is now urging all women to have their breasts checked.
The Sky News sports presenter, who returned to TV screens this summer having battled the disease, is driving home the message that early detection helps save lives.
This week she swapped the studio for Wembley Stadium as The Football Association launched its charity partnership with Breast Cancer Care.
The partnership, which saw Breast Cancer Care selected after a vote among FA staff, aims to raise an incredible £500,000.
Dublin-born Jacquie, a regular face on Eamonn Holmes Sky Sunrise breakfast show, said: “Having had my own devastating diagnosis and also losing my aunt to breast cancer, I know first-hand this brutal disease can shatter the lives of the woman diagnosed and also her friends and family.”
Over the next two years, through its new ‘Pass it on’ campaign the FA and Breast Cancer Care partnership hopes to reach thousands of people across the country with the charity’s vital breast health awareness message.
Former Olympic gymnast Jacquie, who moved from Ireland to Coventry as a child, added: “One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer, so it’s really important that everyone knows the changes to look and feel for when checking their breasts. Early detection can save lives.”
The ‘Pass it on’ Campaign will urge people across the country to pass on life-saving breast health awareness messages to the women in their lives.
It is calling on women to check their breasts so they know what’s normal for them, and be aware of the changes to look for and get checked.
The partnership will also fund a brand new Breast Awareness Roadshow next year, which will see vital breast health information and support services reaching out to communities with especially low awareness levels of breast health.
Samia al Qadhi, Breast Cancer Care Chief Executive said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been chosen as The FA’s charity partner. Over the next two years our highly strategic partnership will help us to reach thousands more women and men across the country with our vital breast health awareness message.”
Alex Horne, FA General Secretary, added: "Breast Cancer Care made a very compelling proposal that underlined how valuable The FA’s support can be to their nationwide work. This includes innovative and exciting ideas about working with us at Wembley and St. George’s Park, as well as across the County FA structure. My thanks go to all staff who took part in the voting and in particular to those who will become charity champions to help Breast Cancer Care with their fundraising efforts."
