Feathers flew when two different types of 'Pink Ladies' staged a pillow fight to launch Cancer Research UK’s 2010 breast cancer awareness and fundraising campaign.

Breast cancer survivor Fiona Scarlett, from Epsom, and former cancer patient Helen Shaw joined the cast of the hit West End musical Grease for the fun-filled fight to launch the 2010 “Join the Fight for Women’s Survival” campaign.

The pink showdown happened on stage at London’s Piccadilly Theatre, where the electrifying musical has been playing since July 2007.

But the stars of the show took second billing to Fiona and Helen, who joined them before curtain-up to promote the campaign.

Fiona, 38, from Epsom, Surrey, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008.

"It was such a shock to be told I had breast cancer," said Fiona, mum to Harry, 10, and seven-year-old Jack.

"I was young and wasn’t considered to be a risk. My first thought was 'am I going to see my children grow up?'"

Fiona, whose husband Gary was treated for testicular cancer in 2007, underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and now only has to have yearly check-ups.

"Cancer has made me much more body aware. I never take my good health for granted now," she said.

Helen, 44, from, Marlow in Bucks, lost her sister Marion to breast cancer when she was just 41. Four years later, Helen was also diagnosed with cancer.

BBC1 Over the Rainbow finalist Lauren Samuels, who stars in the musical as Sandy, said the cast was happy to back the campaign.

She said: "Involving the Pink Ladies in a pillow fight is a fun way of reminding people of the serious message to be breast aware, not only during breast cancer awareness month, but all year round.

"Helping raise awareness for the campaign by taking part in some 'pink' fundraising means that Cancer Research UK can continue its work to save the lives of more and more women.

"The cast of Grease are right behind that cause so we were delighted to get involved in this fluffy fight today."

All the Pink Ladies are now rallying the troops to support Cancer Research UK’s fundraising cause across the country.

The fight theme and camouflage ribbon on the t-shirts echo the role Cancer Research UK’s scientists play on the front line in the battle against breast cancer – a disease which affects more than 45,500 women each year in the UK.

Fiona added: "I am living proof that there are effective treatments for breast cancer.

"Sadly, however, not everyone survives. That’s why I’ve joined the fight for women’s survival. I want to highlight the need for more research and encourage people in London and the South East to get involved."

Cancer Research UK is the largest single funder of breast cancer research in the UK, spending over £44 million on groundbreaking work last year. To ‘Join the fight for women’s survival’ and receive a free Cancer Research UK fundraising pack, visit www.jointhefight.org.uk or call 08701 60 20 40.