Tombola Partners with Breast Cancer Now to Raise Awareness and Funds

Tombola has teamed up with UK-based charity Breast Cancer Now in a partnership aimed at both raising awareness and funds for the vital cause. The initiative, known as the "eyes down, check up" campaign, targets raising £1 million ($1.33 million) while encouraging one million people to regularly check for signs of breast cancer.

The Importance of Regular Self-Checks

Breast cancer continues to affect countless individuals across the globe, with data showing that every 10 minutes, a woman in the UK is diagnosed with the disease, and one man is diagnosed daily. Despite the risks, statistics from YouGov suggest that 44% of women do not regularly check for signs of breast cancer. Tombola's campaign aims to change this by educating people on the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Through this partnership, Tombola has created the 'Breast Check Now' tool, a user-friendly online resource designed to remind people to check their breasts regularly. The tool helps users understand the critical signs to look out for, including:

• Lumps or swelling in the breast, upper chest, or armpit area
• Changes in breast size or shape
• Skin changes such as puckering or dimpling
• Unusual nipple changes, such as inversion or discharge

Campaign Goals and Initiatives

Tombola has set a bold target of raising £1 million through various fundraising activities throughout the campaign. This includes five live ‘Bingo Against Breast Cancer’ charity games, where £50,000 will be donated from each game. Additionally, Tombola has organized an interactive campaign at Westfield Stratford City in the UK, where TV personality and Tombola brand ambassador Josie Gibson will lead educational experiences, offering talks and one-on-one guidance on breast cancer awareness.

Josie Gibson expressed her excitement about the partnership, saying, "I’m so honoured to be part of Tombola’s partnership with Breast Cancer Now and to support the amazing work they do. I didn’t realise until recently how many of us feel unsure about spotting the signs of breast cancer – me included!"

Tombola’s Commitment to Its Community

Tombola Managing Director, Marion Ryan, highlighted the significance of this initiative, noting that more than half of their community has been directly or indirectly affected by breast cancer. "With half of our community affected by breast cancer – either personally or through someone they love – we are dedicated to standing by them and offering the support they need. This partnership is about more than just raising awareness. It’s about empowering our community with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to take action."

Tombola has also committed an initial £250,000 donation to kickstart the partnership with Breast Cancer Now, with the goal of strengthening vital support networks and services.

Breast Cancer Now’s CEO on the Importance of Early Detection

Claire Rowney, CEO of Breast Cancer Now, commented on the importance of regular self-checking and early detection. "Around two-thirds of breast cancers are identified through women checking their breasts and getting any new or unusual change checked by a GP, and we know that regular breast checking is a critical first step to diagnosis. The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the more likely treatment will be successful."

Rowney continued, "Our ambition is that by 2050, anyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live, and live well."

Support from Breast Cancer Survivors

Former UK Sports Minister and breast cancer survivor Dame Tracey Crouch also voiced her support for the campaign, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and early detection. "Inspired by others who have been through cancer, I encouraged people to check their ‘bits and bobbins’ after my own diagnosis to raise awareness of breast cancer. It’s critical that people know the signs of breast cancer and check themselves regularly, which is why the partnership between Tombola and Breast Cancer Now, which will reach over a million people, is so important in the fight to tackle this disease."

A Lasting Impact

With this impactful partnership, Tombola aims to reach over one million people and educate them about the importance of breast self-checks. By raising awareness and providing accessible tools, Tombola and Breast Cancer Now are working to make breast cancer a disease that is caught earlier and treated more effectively.

Source:

Tombola Partners with Breast Cancer Now, gamblinginsider.com, August 5, 2025