Babes date for presenter Phil; CAMPAIGN: Radio star gives backing to cancer charity.

Byline: By Diane Parkes

RADIO personality Phil Upton has taken on a new role as patron of a Sutton Coldfield breast cancer support group.

The BBC Radio WM Breakfast Show presenter has worked with the Breakthrough Babes in the past, when he compered their fund-raising ball, but he is now aiming to help promote the charity.

"They are a group of local women who have all experienced cancer, either they or their families have had it," he said.

"I saw one of their members, Julie Robinson, speak at the ball last year and she is one of the most powerful speakers I have met."

And he is already aiming to help promote a couple of their events.

"They are holding an event called Babes in the Wood on April 26 when they will be doing a sponsored walk in Sutton Park and we are organising an event at The Boathouse pub in the park at August Bank Holiday which will be a dinner, band, and auction," he added.

Breakthrough Babes offers support to women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and their families. It also raises funds and awareness for the national charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Founder member Julie Robinson, of Sutton Coldfield, said the group, which is now in its 12th year, is really pleased that Phil agreed to become involved.

"Phil was a brilliant compere at our Las Vegas Ball last year and was genuinely empathetic towards our cause. It's great that such a busy and high profile local celebrity has agreed to give his time and energy to help us raise awareness and funds," she said.

"Having raised over pounds 500,000 so far, we're now looking forward to some unusual and exciting events this year, with Phil's personality and his ability to reach people we can aim towards our new ambitious target of a million pounds."

For more information on the charity see the www.breakthroughbabes.org.uk website.

CAPTION(S):

Radio WM breakfast presenter Phil Upton with, from left, Julie Robinson, Kathy Caldwell, Julia Booth, Julie Stephenson-Airey, Jean Davies, Andrea Wright and Fiona Callaghan.