Fiona’s Thoughts …

When I was thinking about what to write for my June blog for The Primrose Foundation, I Googled what were important days for this month.  The 1st of June is National Cancer Survivor’s Day, the 4th is National Cheese Day (one of my favourites!), the 21st is World Juggling Day and the 23rd of June is National Pink Day.  Who knew!  I felt as a breast cancer thriver, who loves cheese, seems to have a lot to juggle and wears pink it was a good theme – (A pink cheese juggler, there’s a fundraising idea!!).

Apparently, every year on June 23rd, people around the world celebrate National Pink Day, a day to embrace and celebrate the colour pink. Often seen as a symbol of femininity, softness, and romance, pink has challenged stereotypes to become a powerful emblem of awareness and advocacy—especially in the fight against breast cancer and disease.  I’m sure you have all seen pink ribbons.  There are many different shades of pink, my personal favourite being bright fuchsia pink as I think I can’t be an old misery whilst wearing this colour.

Many psychologists believe that the colour pink helps to make people more calm and less aggressive. This is why several jails in Switzerland have pink jail cells.  While brighter pinks are thought to make pastries taste better and look more appetizing – who remembers pink fingers for school dinners?

Perhaps the 23rd of June should be a day to wear your favourite pink clothes, apply your pinkest lipstick, fill your surroundings with pink flowers, listen to Pink and appreciate the vibrancy and warmth this colour brings. The Primrose Foundation doesn’t limit pink to breast cancer awareness month.  Have a look at our LOVE campaign to remind yourself to check your breasts each month, or watch our recent animation which has been voiced over by Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, who is also a breast cancer thriver.

We can all make a difference, for example you could:

Wear Pink: Whether it’s a bold outfit or a subtle accessory, wearing pink on June 23rd is a simple yet powerful way to participate.  When people ask why – tell them about The Primrose Foundation.

Donate: Donate to The Primrose Foundation no matter how small, every little helps with the work we do to support patients going through treatment, staff with training and new equipment for the Primrose Breast Care Centre.

Spread Awareness: Use your social media platforms to share information about breast cancer prevention and early detection – share our LOVE yourself enough images and animation.  Like our Facebook page or follow us on Tik Tok, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Celebrate Together: Gather friends and family to celebrate the day with a pink-themed event. This could include a picnic, a bake sale – pink fingers, or even a walk until your face turns pink to raise funds for The Primrose Foundation.

National Pink Day also challenges us to think about the stereotypes associated with colours. Pink is no longer just a "feminine" colour. It’s a bold, vibrant hue embraced by all as a symbol of strength, unity, and resilience – the qualities required by patients going through breast cancer treatment.   Don’t save pink for October!

Best wishes,

Fiona

Chair of The Primrose Foundation.