VIDEO: Wilkinson contracts go Pink in Ballintoy

In fields and farmyards nationwide big bale silage wrap is turning pink as farming families help raise funds for breast cancer charities!
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Sep 2015, 12:08 BST
Pink bales at BallintoyPink bales at Ballintoy
Pink bales at Ballintoy

Volac, together with film manufacturer Trioplast, has launched a special pink edition of the 1,900 metre Topwrap RS 1900 with a donation for every roll used going to aid breast cancer research, prevention and treatment.

A fund raising idea already a great success in New Zealand is now proving equally popular here as a very visual means of both raising funds and awareness of breast cancer in the rural community.

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The NI launch of the pink wrap was hosted by Castlederg dairy farmer Gareth Sproule and his wife, Deborah. A specialist radiographer with the breast screening unit at the Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry, Deborah urges women to ensure local GPs have their correct address details.

Pink bales at BallintoyPink bales at Ballintoy
Pink bales at Ballintoy

This is essential as all women aged between 50 and 70, the most at risk age group, are called for breast screening every three years using the address held by their local medical practice. Not updating personal details with a GP can mean slipping under the radar when it comes to these vital mammograms.

Deborah believes this pink big bale wrap publicity will encourage more women to attend their breast screening appoints as an amazing 25% of appointments are not kept!

Of those attending for a routine screening mammogram 4% are recalled for further checks, but of these only one in four may require potentially life saving treatment.

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Those attending for routine mammograms either at a hospital or a mobile scanning unit have their results inside two weeks.

Women over 70 may also request an appointment and those under 50 concerned about changes in their body or with a family history of breast cancer should see their GP for a referral to a breast screening unit. For younger women referred by a GP results will be available on the day they attend for a mammogram.

Women in the farming community lead especially busy lives, but the sight of pink big bales of silage now serve as an extra reminder that time taken for routine health checks could save your life.

To support this breast cancer awareness and fund raising campaign by baling your silage in pink wrap contact Volac NI manager Alistair Sampson on 07860 626 442.