ADRIENNE MATTHEWS
From the Clock Tower glowing bright pink to dragon boats, street collections and practical support for women going through treatment, Breast Cancer Awareness Month will be hard to miss in Marlborough this month.
The Blenheim Clock Tower is joining 113 other landmarks and prominent buildings around the country as part of the Global Illuminations campaign, turning pink in support of New Zealanders affected by breast cancer.
The lights are more than an eye-catching display. They are also a reminder that finding breast cancer early gives people the greatest chance of successful treatment and survival.
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive Vanessa Sorenson says the campaign is designed to get people talking. “Every year, more than 3,700 New Zealanders are diagnosed with breast cancer and around 650 die from it. Behind every number is someone who matters deeply to their whānau, friends and community and we know more of those lives can be saved. When Blenheim lights up in pink, we hope it gets people talking and reminds them to take care of their breast health.”
The Foundation encourages women of all ages to know what is normal for their breasts and have any new or unusual change checked by a doctor. From age 45, women can have a free mammogram every two years through BreastScreen Aotearoa.
The pink lights also help draw attention to the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October.
Blenheim woman Liz Nash is coordinating 60 volunteers across six local collection sites on the Friday (there is another group of 60 for Saturday) with collectors working in two-hour shifts throughout the day.
Now in her seventh year of volunteering, Liz became involved after her daughter Emily Stein passed away from breast cancer. “The appeal is easy to be part of,” she says. “Volunteers choose a shift, turn up and everything they need is provided and I visit the sites regularly.”
She says many volunteers and donors have their own breast cancer story. “It becomes quite a supportive event,” she says. “It can be a significant thing for someone to volunteer, also a significant thing for someone to donate and have a little chat.”
For Liz, October is also an opportunity to highlight the work that happens away from public view. “It’s more than breast cancer awareness and supports the Breast Cancer Foundation for the work that no one sees that they do.” That work includes breast health education, research, specialist nursing support and advocacy for faster and fairer diagnosis and care.
Strength in the same boat
For local breast cancer survivor Amanda Ham, support has come with a paddle in her hands.
Amanda is a member of Simply the Breast, a Marlborough dragon boat team made up of breast cancer survivors and supporters. Around 26 women are involved, including six survivors. “It is really nice getting out on the water,” Amanda says, “and just being with a bunch of great ladies.”
Earlier this year she joined other New Zealand paddlers at the 2026 International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission Dragon Boat Festival in Aix-les-Bains, France, where 4,500 people from 25 countries and 125 teams took part.
Five people connected with Simply the Breast travelled to France, including four local breast cancer survivors and a supporter who volunteered at the event. “It was pretty incredible,” Amanda says.
Back in Marlborough, the team paddles twice a week and includes women from their 30s through to their 80s. They marked the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a Paddle in Pink and are always keen to welcome new members.
Another local woman turning her own breast cancer experience into help for others is Julia Davidson.
Julia, a breast cancer survivor and UK-qualified medical herbalist who has practised in Blenheim since 1990, underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy before writing The Best of Both Worlds about her experience.
Money raised through the book has helped fund Julia’s Bras, providing specially made supportive bras for women going through breast cancer treatment who may otherwise struggle to afford them.
Julia’s Cancer – The Best of Both Worlds free event will be held at the Church of the Nativity on Monday 19 October.
She will share her own experience, discuss complementary approaches alongside conventional treatment and provide information about other practical cancer support services available locally.
Other October events include the Blenheim Rotary Breast Cancer Awareness High Tea on Sunday 18 October and Fashion for a Cure Marlborough on Thursday 29 October, hosted by actress and Breast Cancer Cure ambassador Antonia Prebble.
From a glowing Clock Tower to a dragon boat, a pink bucket or a specially made bra, Marlborough’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month shows that support can take many forms.
As Vanessa Sorenson says, every action helps move us closer to a future where more people with breast cancer “live – and live well.”
What You Can Do...
Check yourself regularly and know what’s normal for your body.
Book your mammogram if you’re eligible.
Talk to your loved ones about breast cancer.
Volunteer or donate to the Pink Ribbon Appeal.
Wear pink proudly this October to show your support.
