A CREWE family linked 'Pinkies' to launch Cancer Research UK's new breast cancer campaign.

Maureen Craig and her teenage daughters, Alex and Victoria, wore Cancer Research UK's new 'Pinkie' ring, engraved with the campaign's slogan, All Women Together, at the launch.

The national charity is the first in the country to launch the 'Pinkie', a brand new take on the charity wristband craze.

Maureen, aged 52, from Wistaston, said: "I'm living proof that there are effective treatments for breast cancer.

"Sadly, not everyone survives, and this is why I'm supporting this campaign to highlight the need for more research."

Maureen, who was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago, postponed seeing her doctor after finding a lump because she was rarely ill and assumed the lump was simply a cyst.

When the lump grew bigger and she was diagnosed with cancer, Maureen felt terrified and was convinced she would die.

She had the breast lump removed, as well as the lymph glands in her armpits, and then faced six months of chemotherapy and four weeks of daily radiotherapy.

After completing her treatment, she took up her old hobby of playing the guitar and raised more than £1,000 for the charity with a CD of songs called The Game.

Maureen is now urging other women to get involved in the new campaign by organising pink-themed fund-raising activites between now and the end of October.

For a fund-raising pack, call 08701 602040.

Pinkies are available from all local Cancer Research UK shops.