Sir Cliff Richard made a surprise appearance yesterday at the Genesis Ladies’ Lunch.

 

The pop icon stopped by to say a few words at the event organised by the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Appeal – the UK’s only charity entirely dedicated to the prevention of breast cancer.

 

The lunch – which took place in Manchester’s Lowry Hotel – also featured guest speaker Diana Moran, who spoke of her own battle with breast cancer.

 

Diana – who rose to fame as TVs ‘Green Goddess’ in the 80s – went on to talk about  her admiration for the charity, now in its 15th year. Diana commented: “I’m a great supporter of the work that the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Appeal does.

 

“Notably, Genesis is funding research into diet and lifestyle to prove how being active and healthy can reduce your risk of breast cancer. This is something I feel incredibly passionately about and why I’m proud to be a supporter of Genesis. It is the only charity dedicated entirely to the prevention of breast cancer and its work could help dramatically improve the futures of thousands of people.” 

 

The Lowry Hotel’s renowned in-house caterers tantalised the taste buds of guests by serving a mouth-watering, three-course meal – with a healthy twist – to around 260 style-savvy women who frequent the prestigious gathering each year.

 

The ladies were also treated to a fashion show, from Fall Woman, which presented its exclusive upcoming styles and autumn/winter collections.  The season’s latest looks were modelled by women who had been affected by breast cancer.

 

Pam Glass, founder and trustee of The Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Appeal, said: “The Ladies’ Lunch is a huge event in our calendar and we rely heavily on the funds it brings to the charity. We’re so grateful to Sir Cliff and Diana for coming and supporting us here today.”

 

The Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Appeal has helped to fund the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Centre, which is Europe’s first ever, purpose built centre of its kind. The £14 million state-of-the-art project – based at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester – brings together internationally recognised medical experts and houses pioneering work into diagnosis, education and research into the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

 

Pam continued: “Above all else, it is the women who return each year who help make the event the success that it is. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to fund our ongoing work to build a future without breast cancer.”