DOWNLOAD HERE: Check Your Boobs song helps to fund lives-saving breast cancer awareness musical
DOWNLOAD: Get the song, Check Your Boobs, for just £1 with funds going towards bringing Wendy's World the Musical to life - visit wendysworldonline.com.
The poignant and lively song, taken from the musical, has now been released to kickstart a crowdfunder while promoting a crucial health message.
Wendy’s World - The Musical, penned by Sheffield’s own Karen Restaino and her son, Max Restaino, is set to bring to life on stage the story of inspirational Wendy Watson, of Chesterfield, founder of National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline.
Wendy and her BBC radio presenter daughter, Becky Measures, both had a double mastectomy to avoid breast cancer, following deaths in their family from the disease.
Those downloading the song will be added to a mailing list to receive a monthly reminder to "check on the 1st," encouraging regular breast self-examinations supported by the PINK RIBBON FOUNDATION – who are also represented in the video by the charities leading advocate Lisa Allen.
There is also a dance challenge, with choreography created by Rachel Croke.Supporters are urged to learn the moves, record their performance and submit their videos, for a chance to win exciting prizes and be featured in promotional materials.
Max Restaino and the Sheffield Cancer Choir will be performing at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on June 22 joined by other members of the Check Your Boobs song and cast.
Breast cancer advice and support will also be available.
The Check Your Boobs song features Becky and Wendy along with special guests, including a contribution by Harry Potter star Miriam Morgolyes and performances by renowned artists including (Is This The Way To) Amarillo’s Tony Christie and St. Elmo's Fire rocker John Parr.
Other celebrities on the recording include comedy veteran Bernie Clifton, Boy and Dolphin and Acoustic Angels frontman John Reilly, Anastasia Walker, of Bang Bang Romeo and Soraya Vivian, the voice behind Clubland and Hed Kandi and UK Pride Ambassador.
It also features Rachel Modest, Shane Nolan, Lyndsey Draycass, Shaun Doane, Nathaniel Morrison, Holly Johnson, Professor Gareth Evans, Sheffield Cancer Choir – a choir of cancer survivors and supporters
They are joined by many who have benefitted from the National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline.
The Restaino family, deeply intertwined with this story, have shared their own personal connection to the cause.
Karen, after discovering her BRCA1 gene mutation, also underwent preventive surgeries—a decision mirrored in her family’s history when her niece, diagnosed with breast cancer at 27, tested positive for the same mutation.
The story took a poignant turn when they realised that the mutation had been passed down from the male side of the family, after Karen’s father had prostate cancer.
Max, despite his young age, is no stranger to the spotlight, having carved out a notable music career by 27.
This musical collaboration between him and his mother was sparked by a surprising discovery. After years of professional interaction and promotion by Becky Measures, Wendy Watson's daughter, Karen saw a video on Becky’s Instagram that highlighted Wendy's influential advocacy - connecting the dots between their families' shared histories.
As the project gears up for rehearsals this autumn, the creators are keen to keep the local community involved.
"This musical is about our community, our struggles, and our triumphs," Karen shares.
"It’s funny, it’s touching, and it’s rooted in Derbyshire, where Wendy’s story began."
The Restainos hope Wendy’s World will not only entertain but also educate and connect those affected by cancer, along with those who have faced similar genetic challenges, and anyone who appreciates the power of community and storytelling.
With every show, Wendy’s World aims to offer a night of entertainment that brings laughter, tears, and a powerful message about the impact of one woman’s fight against breast cancer.
It sets out to be a celebration of local spirit and a tribute to the enduring strength of families like the Watsons and the Restainos, who have turned personal battles into a public dialogue.
Mother and Daughter Breast of Friends, created by Wendy and Becky, is the podcast voice of the National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline (NHBCH), promoting preventative surgery. The latest series is sponsored by First Intuition Yorkshire.
LISTEN to the podcasts at https://motherdaughterbreastfriends.co.uk/
READ MORE:
National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline Links:
Fcebook: www.facebook.com/NHBCH
X: @nhbch
Tel: 01629 813000