WHITEHALL Garden Centre, at Lacock, has raised nearly £2,000 for the Breast Cancer Breakthrough Charity.

A Breast Awareness Month kicked off two weeks ago to raise money for cancer research and to encourage women to check their breasts for lumps.

The idea came from Jackie Holland, who is the supervisor of the houseplant section at the garden centre. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 and has since made a full recovery and returned to work full time.

"Woman must be breast aware, as early diagnosis saves lives," said mother-of-two Mrs Holland, 43.

"I found my lump in a self-check, and breast awareness month is all about promoting that. If you find a lump early enough you can bounce back and recover."

The garden centre wanted to show its support to Mrs Holland by taking part in the fundraising drive.

"I've been fully supported by the garden centre," added Mrs Holland.

"I had the lump taken away and to make sure it hadn't spread I had chemotherapy and then radiotherapy.

"Since I had my treatment they've developed new things to make it better.

"The money we're raising for the charity goes to research so they can make treatments better all the time."

As part of the Breast Awareness Month, Whitehall backed more than 250 people who took part in the Ben Nevis Challenge for Breast Cancer Care. On Saturday staff, friends and family climbed the mountain in Scotland, raising nearly £2,000.

Kate Self, the wife of the director of Whitehall, and Deb Fellows took part in the challenge.

"Both Deb and I have friends who are currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer and we felt this was a positive way to show our support," said Mrs Self. "The day was very tough, but the great atmosphere and shared interest kept us all going."

Whitehall will be giving £1 to the Breast Cancer charity from every plant sold from a special display in the houseplant area throughout October.