A Cheam man has called on the Sutton community to dress in pink to raise money for breast cancer research after being inspired by his sister's battle with the disease.

The "wear it pink" day returns for the 16th time on Friday, October 20 and Johnny Devereaux, 51, wants Sutton to get behind the national fundraiser.

Johny's sister, Geraldine, now 57, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Five years later she was told her treatment had been successful.

However, a few months later in 2013, tests showed the cancer had spread and Geraldine now had incurable secondary breast cancer.

Johnny said: "Geraldine will always be my inspiration to fundraise, but my interest has widened to include all women. The number of women affected by breast cancer are staggering, but these numbers don’t mean anything until you’re directly affected. Fundraising for Breast Cancer Now feels like being part of a family, a community of scientists and supporters, who all depend on each other and work together. It is really wonderful to feel like you’re part of something bigger and doing something proactive to help future generations.

“Anyone can take part in wear it pink, whether you do it at home, work, or at school. It’s such a fun day and taking part is an easy way to raise money for Breast Cancer Now’s life-saving research.

“For wear it pink day, I’ll be rallying up as many people in the office as I can to join me by wearing something pink and donating to support such an important cause that affects so many women, and men too. I hope my fellow Sutton residents will join me and wear it pink.”

Breast Cancer Now is a charity dedicated to researching the disease.