AS an ambassador of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the UK's leading breast cancer charity, I am delighted to announce that the charity's longest standing corporate supporter, Avon Cosmetics, has reached a fundraising milestone.

After 13 years of dedicated fundraising, Avon, its Representatives, staff and customers have raised an amazing £10m for Breakthrough's research and education work.

Breast cancer is the number one health concern for women in the UK as more than 41,000 people are diagnosed with this devastating disease each year.

With the support of The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, Breakthrough has been able to make real progress in the fight against breast cancer.

In 1999, Breakthrough was able to set up the first dedicated breast cancer research centre in the UK and now Avon fund specific projects including The Generations Study, a study involving 100,000 women into the causes of breast cancer.

Over the years, I have supported Avon's charitable work by buying beauty products that have carried a donation to Breakthrough, as well as supporting Avon's campaigns like "Kiss Goodbye To Breast Cancer" and last year's "Shake It" campaign, when I chose my favourite disco tracks for their special compilation CD, along with lots of other celebrities.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate everyone that has supported this groundbreaking partnership across the UK Avon Representatives and the millions of customers.

With your support, we can help Breakthrough to achieve its vision of a future free from the fear of breast cancer.

Congratulations and please keep on fundraising.

MELINDA MESSENGER Swindon