A team of breast cancer survivors donned pink and blue camouflage helmets to tackle a camouflage net with soldiers from Whittington Barracks, near Lichfield.

They were launching Cancer Research UK’s new breast cancer awareness and fundraising campaign Join the Fight for Women’s Survival.

The squad showcased the charity’s new ‘camo’ ribbon which symbolises the role the charity’s scientists play on the front line in the battle against breast cancer – a disease which affects more than 45,000 women each year in the UK.

Around 4,100 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the West Midlands region each year but the survivors are living proof that, thanks to research into earlier diagnosis and better treatment, more and more women are surviving.

Wearing the special helmets they presented soldiers at Whittington Barracks with pink and blue camouflage enamel ribbons. The unique ribbons are being sold in Cancer Research UK shops across the region.

Amanda Boffy, a 45-year-old administration assistant, from Brierley Hill, was keen to help rally the troops after being diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2007. Within three weeks Amanda had surgery followed by a 15-day course of radiotherapy.

Amanda said: “I am living proof that there are effective treatments for breast cancer. Sadly, however, not everyone survives. That’s why I am supporting Cancer Research UK’s new campaign.”

Leonie Hudson, Cancer Research UK’s Area Volunteer Manager in the West Midlands, said: “We are indebted to all our volunteers because we rely entirely on donations to fund our research. We need everyone to get involved.”