Jo will be in the pink for a month

A SCHOOL technician who won her battle with breast cancer will wear pink everyday this month to help raise money for charity.

Jo Savage has now been given the all-clear but said she wanted to use her experience to raise awareness of the disease as well as some cash to help out the cancer charities.

Her efforts will be supported by 17 pupils, aged from 11 to 16, at St Neots Community College who are in her tutor group. They will donate money to cancer charities if Jo wears something pink everyday throughout October.

The idea for the fundraiser came from the students after they found out Ms Savage, who is a design and technology technician at the school, was suffering from breast cancer.

Last year, at the age of 32, she underwent treatment after being diagnosed with cancer. Now, after celebrating her 34th birthday, she says she is flattered by the pupil's kindness and support.

"My tutor group and colleagues are just brilliant," she said. "Their support and kindness means so much to me. When it was clear that I was having treatment, I didn't hide the fact from anyone. I discussed it everyday in a very open way."

The fundraiser was supposed to be limited to Ms Savage's class but word of mouth has meant that other students and staff are also planning to support it.

"I'm wearing pink throughout October not just to raise money but equally importantly to raise awareness of breast cancer and encourage people to ask questions and find out more," added Ms Savage. "I always try to look at life with all its challenges in a positive way."

CAPTION: IN THE PINK: St Neots Community College pupils Sam Mitchell, Adam Jones, Amber Hance, Abi Rothwell and Mason Palmer have all pledged to raise money for form tutor Jo Savage after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Picture: IAN NARIN.