STRICTLY COME DANCING JUDGE SHIRLEY BALLAS SCORES BREAST CANCER PROJECT TOP OF THE LEADERBOARD

STRICTLY COME DANCING JUDGE SHIRLEY BALLAS SCORES BREAST CANCER PROJECT TOP OF THE LEADERBOARD

Shirley Ballas surprises charity in Glasgow with major award

Breast Cancer Care’s support app, BECCA, waltzed away with a National Lottery Award today when Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas revealed they had been voted the UK’s favourite Health Project - and followed the good news with a dance masterclass!

The National Lottery Awards are the annual search for the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects and celebrate the inspirational people and projects who do extraordinary things with National Lottery funding.

Shirley, who recently had a breast cancer scare, broke the news that BECCA had won the Health category in The National Lottery Awards 2018 to women who have had a breast cancer diagnosis from Glasgow.

The BECCA app helps people move forward after breast cancer and has received over £655,000 of National Lottery funding for its development. The app offers information and tips to its users; equipping them to face issues like damaged body confidence, anxiety, and long-term side effects.

After presenting the trophy to the project, Shirley put on her dancing shoes and gave a ballroom dance class. The National Lottery-funded BECCA app recommends dance as a great way to ‘get fit and meet new people’ after breast cancer.

Shirley surprised a group of Glasgow women, who have gone through breast cancer treatment and use the BECCA app, with news of their success.

“I’m honoured to announce Breast Cancer Care app BECCA has won the UK’s Best Health project in the National Lottery Awards. I truly empathise with the damaging effects of cancer after a recent health scare and a family history of cancer.

“It is incredible to hear the stories today of how BECCA has helped women cope with life after breast cancer - it is a daunting transition and BECCA is doing the much-needed job of shining a light on how to get through to the other side.

“National Lottery players should feel proud to have funded this project and I’m delighted that they have won this much deserved award.”

Responding to the news that Breast Cancer Care’s app, BECCA, has won Best Health Project at the National Lottery Awards 2018, Samia al Qadhi, Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Care, says:

“It’s absolutely sensational that BECCA, Breast Cancer Care’s end-of-treatment support app, has won Best Health Project at the National Lottery Awards.

“A huge, huge thank you to everyone who voted – moving forward after treatment can feel like a huge mountain to climb, and this award means we can empower more women to live life with confidence after breast cancer.”

The BECCA app beat off competition from 700 entries to win £5,000 cash prize and an iconic National Lottery Awards trophy and will have its work celebrated on a special BBC One programme to be broadcast on the 26 September.

National Lottery players raise £30 million a week for arts, sport, heritage and community good causes. For more information go to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk or follow the campaign on Twitter: hashtag #NLAwards.

ENDS

For further information please contact The National Lottery Awards:

Elle Rigby on 07920581267 or email Elle.Rigby@lotterygoodcauses.org.uk