THERE will be a pink glow coming from Madley Earth Station during October - but don't worry, aliens have not landed.

A satellite dish will be shining pink to raise awareness of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Breast Cancer Haven, which is a support centre based in St Owen Street in Hereford, is aiming to Turn Hereford Pink during the month by lighting up well-known Herefordshire landmarks and buildings.

Madley Earth Station is BT’s sole operational UK satellite ground station, with more than 65 antennas. Via these, Madley provides continuous access to more than 15 satellites spanning two thirds of the planet.

Nick Wood, station manager at the centre, said: “The Lighting Herefordshire Pink Campaign has captured the imagination of our engineers, and we hope turning our oldest, largest satellite dish – known as Madley 1 – pink during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, will have the positive effect of highlighting the amazing work of and support available from organisations like Breast Cancer Haven.”

Madley transmits and receives a range of different services, including international news as it happens, sporting events, corporate networks, disaster relief / recovery, internet gateway services, and voice communications.

Ian Collins, satellite maintenance engineer who co-ordinated the work, added: “Our teams are used to helping people and businesses in the UK and around the world to communicate and exchange important information on a daily basis, but this has certainly been one of the most unusual things we’ve been asked to do.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with more than 50,000 women, and 350 men, being diagnosed each year across the UK.

The charity hopes to raise awareness and funds for the centre, which costs £300,000 per year to run, all of which is raised through donations and the support of the community.

Donations can be made at www.breastcancerhaven.org.uk/Appeal/hereford-lit-pink or text BCAM17 £5 to 70070

Breast Cancer Haven can be accessed by anyone affected by breast cancer. Find out more by visiting breastcancerhaven.org.uk or calling 01432 361061.