I have chosen the Blossom Appeal, in part to say thank you for the amazing work that they do but also to raise awareness of the incredible service the breast team offer to families across the county.

I have first-hand experience of the fantastic care, kindness and expertise offered. They have been and are a real source of support, not just to the women and men facing cancer but their loved ones too. 

Cancer affects the whole family in some way, and it really is something that is important to talk about. There are so many different aspects in dealing with and fighting breast cancer and this centre will support women and men across the district and county by bringing all these different elements of breast care under one roof.

I want to use my year as BDC Chairman to keep the conversation going, raise awareness of the Blossom Appeal and help raise some much-needed funds.

The breast care team at Ipswich Hospital support so many families and I want to help them get the funds they need so our local community has a state-of-the-art breast care centre, particularly during these very difficult times.

The appeal, run by Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, is helping to raise the £6.2 million required to build a dedicated Breast Care Centre for patients. The charity have the final £500,000 to go and we want to do all we can to help them get to this target. A new Breast Care Centre is going to make a world of difference to every patient. Whether that's a more comfortable waiting area or getting some fresh air in the private garden it's all going to be so worth it.