Truckies show support

Police at Ohakea's weigh station are giving heavy vehicles more than just safety checks this month - they're leaving a touch of pink on every one.

Officers have been asking truckies to put pink valve caps on the front right wheel of their vehicles to support the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

Inspector Gwynne Pennell said the Ohakea station was one of six throughout the country participating in Bridgestone's pink-cap drive as part of breast cancer awareness month.

Ms Pennell, from the commercial vehicle investigation unit, said police were more than happy to help such a good cause as a staff member's wife had recently received treatment for the disease.

Heavy vehicles are regularly asked to pull into the weigh station to undertake various safety checks, and this month officers have also been giving drivers fliers about breast cancer, which tell them they can support the cause by buying the caps.

Ms Pennell said the idea had proven popular. "The response has been great. Many of the truckies have been asking for two caps because you don't have just one nipple.

"Most people know someone who has been affected by breast cancer."

New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation chief executive Evangelia Henderson was delighted with the helping hand. "Their involvement just goes to show how far the support spreads. It's fantastic."

- © Fairfax NZ News