In support of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the Expresso Breakfast Show on SABC3 held a live telethon on Wednesday, 29 October, which raised a record R300 000 for Reach for Recovery, an international breast cancer support group.

Public figures and personalities were on hand to take pledges, including Mark Haze, whose mother-in-law survived cancer; Martelize Brink, who had a cancer scare at 16; cancer survivor Wilma van der Bijl; and Bailey Schneider, whose best friend was diagnosed earlier in 2014.Reach for Recovery is an organisation that financially and emotionally supports women fighting breast cancer. They also provide a prothesis service called ‘Ditto’ to those who can’t afford reconstructive surgery to help women get their confidence back after traumatic diagnosis and surgery. It is the only breast cancer support group in South Africa that offers free breast prosthesis fitting.The high sum raised was proof of how many people and their loved ones are affected by the disease, and many callers took the opportunity to share their stories.Expresso is South Africa’s feel-good breakfast show, and broadcasts every weekday morning from 06:00 to 08:30 on SABC3.