Volunteers to hit Whanganui streets for Pink Ribbon appeal

Pink Ribbon volunteers collecting in Whanganui a few years ago. Photo/ file

Collectors will be shaking their pink buckets on Friday and Saturday in Whanganui, gathering support for breast cancer awareness.

The national Pink Ribbon campaign that runs annually aims to raise funds for research into new targeted treatments, medical equipment for hospitals, education programmes and support for people with breast cancer.

There will be 16 sites across the region in Whanganui, Taihape, Marton and Bulls.

Whanganui organiser Shirley Forward has rallied together 120 volunteers who will be dispersed around the city today until 6pm and tomorrow until 4pm.

More than 50 people in Whanganui are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, and about five die of breast cancer annually.

Ms Forward said she had lost a lot of friends to breast cancer and five friends had been diagnosed in the last two weeks.

"The support from the community has been invaluable, I can't believe how many people have registered themselves," Ms Forward said.

Last year Whanganui raised $4147 and this year they hope to beat it.