Daubed in paint and proudly topless in Westminster, a group of 31 women demanded the approval of a “life-extending” cancer drug. The group, representing the 31 lives lost to advanced breast cancer every day in the UK, included actress and Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha

“Thirty-one people a day lose their lives to secondary, advanced breast cancer in the UK. I still can’t believe it, and I’m going to be one of them,” says Linda Nolan.

Seeing 31 sets of boobs let loose in Westminster can’t help but underline the point though. Parliament has had a lot to say, but those stunning bosoms have voiced the only thing worth listening to as far as I’m concerned.

Hats (and bras) off to Nadia Sawalha and the group of women who went topless, some of whom are, like me, living with secondary breast cancer, and who have undergone mastectomies. This was no joke: their brave stand was made to extend lives – including many of their own, and maybe mine.

A group of 31 women demanded the approval of a “life-extending” cancer drug ( 
Image:
Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)
They were calling for the drug Enhertu to be licensed for use in England for women with a particular type of secondary breast cancer, as it already is in Scotland. The drug can extend life by months, but right now here in England, you are denied it. It makes me so angry saying it out loud.

While I’m waiting to find out if I’m medically suitable for it, many of these women, including Nadia’s good friend, Hannah, know they are. Yet they have zero control over getting it – and with cancer, you have precious little control already. A few months doesn’t sound like much. To me, and people like me, every day means everything. It is why we fight.

The fact I am alive this week means I will get to meet my new great-niece, who was born on Wednesday. More weeks will mean more lunches with my school friends, more bingo with my sisters. Maybe even wins. The new Government seems to value women, so I plead with them to listen. I’m in awe of these fabulous ladies and want to thank them.

I also hope they had their vests to hand, it’s nippy for July. Daubed in paint and proudly topless in Westminster, a group of 31 women demanded the approval of a “life-extending” cancer drug. The group, representing the 31 lives lost to advanced breast cancer every day in the UK, included actress and Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha.

Nadia’s close friend Hannah Gardner, who has incurable breast cancer, was also at Parliament calling for Enhertu to be made available on the NHS. Campaigners have been lobbying decision-makers for months after learning that the pioneering drug had been blocked for use in England.

Nadia, 59, said: “Our message to the decision-makers is ‘you have the power. Let’s see it. Show us you care because this could be your mother, your sister, your daughter’.”