Cumberland Council's Highways and Transport team is backing this year's Wear It Pink campaign and encouraging staff to come together in support of people affected by breast cancer.
On Friday 23 October, highways staff will be wearing pink as part of Breast Cancer Now's annual Wear It Pink fundraising day, helping to raise awareness and support life-saving research and life-changing services for those living with breast cancer.
The council is also demonstrating its longer-term commitment to the cause through the purchase of a specially commissioned pink gritter, which is currently being built and is due to join the Cumberland fleet in 2027.
The striking vehicle, which is being delivered with the support of Motus Commercials Solway and Econ Engineering, will help raise awareness wherever it travels, serving as a visible reminder of the importance of cancer awareness, support and research.
Cumberland Council would also like to thank Thomas Graham & Sons in Carlisle, which has generously supplied pink high-visibility clothing free of charge for staff taking part in Wear It Pink. The donation has helped bring the campaign to life and demonstrates the support local businesses can provide for important community causes.
The campaign is one of the UK's biggest fundraising events, with thousands of people taking part each year to support Breast Cancer Now's ambition that, by 2050, everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live and live well.
The council is also exploring opportunities to use its fleet to support other health awareness campaigns in the future, including prostate cancer awareness.
The Wear It Pink campaign has raised more than £45 million over the last 20 years, helping fund ground-breaking research and support services for people affected by breast cancer.
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
"Highways services are often recognised for keeping people moving, but we're also part of the communities we serve. Many of our staff, families, friends and residents have been affected by cancer in some way.
"We're proud to support Wear It Pink this October and to play our part in raising awareness for Breast Cancer Now. Our new pink gritter will be a lasting symbol of that commitment and will help spread an important message across Cumberland for years to come.
"I'd also like to thank Thomas Graham & Sons in Carlisle for generously providing the pink high-visibility clothing our staff will be wearing on the day, free of charge. It's a fantastic gesture and another example of local organisations coming together to support a cause that means so much to so many people.
"We're also delighted to have the support of Motus Commercials Solway and Econ Engineering in bringing this project to life. Their involvement demonstrates the strength of partnership working and a shared commitment to supporting an important cause that touches so many lives."
Harriet Glover, Regional Director, Motus Commercials Solway, said:
"As the supplier of Cumberland Highways' new pink gritter, we're incredibly proud to be involved in a project that combines a vital frontline vehicle with such an important cause.
“The transport industry is at the heart of our communities, and initiatives like this show how vehicles can be used not only to provide essential services but also to raise awareness and support meaningful conversations. We look forward to seeing the pink gritter enter service in 2027 and helping keep this important message visible across Cumberland for years to come."
Jonathan Lupton, Managing Director, Econ Engineering said:
“We’re proud to be working in partnership with Cumberland Highways on this year’s Wear It Pink campaign. Cancer affects so many people, and raising awareness and supporting the vital work of Breast Cancer Now is something we can all play a part in.
“The pink 18-tonne gritter will carry that message across Cumberland, and we’re pleased to support an initiative that brings colleagues and communities together for such an important cause.”
Staff and residents are encouraged to wear something pink on Friday 23 October, and if they can, make a donation to help Breast Cancer Now continue its vital research and support services.
For more information or to donate, please go here: https://breastcancernow.org/