A CANCER survivor has launched an ambitious campaign to raise thousands of pounds for a new piece of equipment to detect breast cancer.

Ann Vickery, of Blackbird Close, Kempshott, Basingstoke, endured 10 months of treatment for breast cancer during 2002.

She is now back to full health and is determined to raise enough to help buy an Opdima - a digital biopsy system costing £75,000 that can be attached to the existing mammogram machines at Basingstoke hospital and would enhance cancer detection rates.

To raise the money, Mrs Vickery is painting the town pink. She is organising monthly Pink Discos at the Academy Club, in Worting Road, Basingstoke, the first of which took place on Saturday and raised £337.

Mrs Vickery, 53, said: "The first disco went brilliantly - there was a great atmosphere. We organised it in just two weeks, so the response we had was fantastic."

Zena Tanner, who runs the Top Notch hairdressing salon, in Oakridge, Basingstoke, is supporting the campaign by decorating her salon with everything pink and running an ongoing raffle.

Mrs Tanner, also a breast cancer survivor, and Mrs Vickery met in the Basing Unit at Basingstoke hospital in 2002 when they were both receiving chemotherapy.

Mrs Vickery, a founder member of the Basingstoke Breast Cancer Self Help Group, is urging community groups and individuals to support the campaign by holding fundraising events.

She has also written to 196 businesses and clubs in the Basingstoke area to ask for their help.

She said: "It's going to be a fun campaign because it will be a community effort for the local hospital."

To support Mrs Vickery's campaign, call her on 01256 358646.

First published: Thursday, October 13, 2005