BREAST cancer sufferer Bianca Ridout has urged NHS Dorset to fund a lifesaving helpline.

The Hereditary Breast Cancer phone line was set up to support women who either have hereditary breast cancer or are concerned they may carry the gene.

Founder Wendy Watson said that it would cost NHS primary care trusts just £422 per year to fund the helpline but not every one contributes – including NHS Dorset.

Mrs Ridout, 35, from Portland, who is currently battling with hereditary breast cancer, said it was disgusting that the primary care trust in Dorset chooses not to support the service.

Dorset was among 56 of the primary care trusts out of 151 that decided not to fund the helpline last year.

The phone line was set up by a hereditary breast cancer sufferer Wendy Watson in 1996.

Mrs Ridout, who was diagnosed in 2007, appealed for funding at the end of Hereditary Breast Cancer Awareness Week today.

She said: “I’d urge Dorset PCT to fund the helpline because there’s not enough support for people who could be at risk of getting hereditary breast cancer or for those who have it.

“A lot of people don’t know what to do if there is breast cancer in their family and they shouldn’t just sit around.

“People should be able to seek advice and if this helpline provides that then that’s great – I could have benefited from it.

She added: “It’s disgusting that Dorset PCT doesn’t fund this.

“What is £422 a year when it could save many lives?”

A spokesman for NHS Dorset confirmed it did not currently contribute towards the Hereditary Breast Cancer help line.

A spokesman said: “Local women who are concerned can be assessed and referred into local screening services as appropriate depending on their level of risk. This assessment service was initiated in 2008 to 2009 by The Wessex Genetic Service and the local Breast Screening Unit, working in conjunction with NHS Bournemouth and Poole and NHS Dorset.

“All partners involved in the service continue to ensure it best meets the needs of the local community.”

Mrs Watson holds fundraising events to secure funding for those areas where trusts won’t pay.

Women from across the country will take part in a sponsored skydive today in an effort to raise cash for those areas, including Dorset, to fund the helpline.

The sky dive will be taking place in Nottingham and 17-year-old Emma Vaughn from Derbyshire will be jumping for Dorset.

To sponsor Miss Vaughn and support the helpline contact her on 01246 203860. The Hereditary Breast Cancer helpline number is 01629 813000.