BBQ social media influencers and husband and wife duo Jim Moore (aka @onlyslaggin) and Romilly Moore from Newtownabbey are calling on people across Northern Ireland to host a “Breast Friends BBQ” to raise vital funds for Action Cancer’s life-saving breast screening service.

The campaign encourages friends, families and neighbours to come together this summer around the BBQ to enjoy good food and meaningful conversations, all while supporting a great cause.

Action Cancer is the only charity in Northern Ireland providing free breast screening to well women aged 40–49 and over 70 (outside of the NHS screening age range). When it comes to breast cancer, the earlier it is detected the better. For every 1,000 breast screenings, six breast cancers are detected.

Each screening is free to the woman but costs the charity £120 to deliver each appointment. Screening takes place at Action Cancer House and on board the Big Bus mobile unit (supported by SuperValu and Centra). Fundraising generated from the Breast Friends BBQ campaign will help fund appointments for local women in your community.

“Barbecue has always brought people together,” says Jim Moore who amassed over 1.6 million social media followers. “Now we’re asking folks to add a bit of purpose to their grill-outs this summer by supporting Action Cancer’s incredible breast screening programme. It’s a simple way to make a big difference.”

Joanne Henderson, mum of two from Holywood, is an Action Cancer Ambassador having been diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 42. Joanne added: “Action Cancer saved my life through early breast cancer detection.  I had no signs or symptoms and have no idea how long before I would have noticed anything. I may not have reached the age of 50 for my first mammogram with the NHS.

“Please get together with your loved ones, spread awareness and support this wonderful cause. The funds raised by your BBQ could save the life of a local woman in your community, someone just like me.”

For a Breast Friends Fundraising Pack, which includes special pink themed recipes created by Romilly, please email breastfriendsbbq@actioncancer.org or call Lisa McClenaghan on 028 9080 3361.