AS WE near the end of the year and I celebrate my 10th anniversary as patron of Breast Cancer Care, it gives me a chance to reflect on the incredible work I have seen from our volunteers across the UK. It makes me feel very privileged to be a part of this fantastic charity. Breast Cancer Care is the leading UK support charity for people with this devastating disease.

Our 500 volunteers do amazing work in offering emotional support to people diagnosed and spreading the breast aware message. And of course there are thousands of inspirational fundraisers, whose generosity allows Breast Cancer Care to offer all its services free of charge. For example, so far this year our helpline has taken almost 13,000 calls from people looking to us for support and information.

This year we became the first UK charity to mark Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day, which recognised all those living with incurable breast cancer and that shows our commitment to supporting everyone affected by the disease, at every stage.

More than 46,000 people every year are given the crushing news they have breast cancer. I know what a difference the charity makes to people going through this life-changing diagnosis.

Breast Cancer Care promises to be there every step of the way for anyone diagnosed with, or affected by, breast cancer. Your readers' support has had a huge effect on so many people during 2010 - thank you so much, and please help us continue this valued and important work in the coming year.

GERI HALLIWELL Breast Cancer Care