A WOMEN’S networking group is releasing a calendar for breast cancer awareness month.

October may have passed but the ladies at Mums in Business based in Bolton and Blackburn, are excited to campaign for more women to go to screenings.

With pink gowns and pink pumpkins, the mums found a fun way to celebrate Halloween.

Group leader Mandy Worsley said: “The group is full of women in business, who come together to support each-other and give business advice or personal help.”

The Bolton group is part of a larger network first started in Leeds by Leona Burton but has since grown internationally All network groups were asked to raise awareness.

Mandy said: “We came up with the idea of pink pumpkins and a calendar. Loads of ladies came to the local venue in Bolton, where I run my business, Chetham Farm Retreat.

“We had flower arranging, boob cupcakes and pink pumpkins with photoshoots and workshops. It was a great afternoon, and we got some amazing pictures and we’re hoping to raise a few hundred pounds.”

The money raised will go to the breast cancer unit at Bolton Royal Hospital.

Mandy added: “My mother-in-law passed away from it 15 years ago. It’s such a shame that back then, screenings weren’t as recognised, and I still think we have a long way to go. People still see it as taboo but one of the ladies has just recovered, having had a breast removed, all in the last 18 months.

“She really wanted to take part. I think everyone is involved in some way as they know someone close going through it or who has had it.”

The farm retreat is a wellbeing hub, with yoga and meditation classes as well as workshops focusing on mental health.

Mandy said: “We would love some support to get this important message out there but also to celebrate the power of women pulling together as a team to make things happen and how vital a support networking is."