A MALVERN woman who battled breast cancer is urging people to donate their unwanted bras to help others with the disease.
Nicky Stevens, who works at Malvern Hills District Council, was the inspiration behind the new county-wide bra recycling scheme.
As part of the scheme, special ‘bra banks’ have been set up in various locations across the county, such as council houses and leisure centres for people to hand in their unwanted bras.
For every bra donated Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven will receive funds which will be used to improve the quality of life of people affected by breast cancer.
The money will provide personalised emotional, practical and physical support to patients.
Devizes Textiles, an established textile recycling company, will then send the bras to Africa with the aim of helping women in poorer areas.
The bras which are not good enough to be sent will be recycled.
The project was launched by Worcestershire County Council at Croome Court where the famous sphinxes were adorned with bras.
The event was attended by Coun Andrea Morgan, chairman of Malvern Hills District Council, Coun Tony Miller, cabinet member for environment at Worcestershire County Council, Emma Stuart, project manager at Worcestershire CC Waste Prevention, Lexi Craigie, fund-raising manager at The Haven Breast Care Charity and staff from Croome Court.
Nicky Stevens said: “I am delighted to be involved with such a worthy charity.
“I was lucky enough to receive support last year during my Breast Cancer journey.
“I will be forever grateful and I know how hard the team work to ensure more services are provided.
“This whole campaign started with a group of ladies having a conversation and it has grown.
“Thank you to everyone involved and to everyone who donates and supports this amazing campaign.”
After overcoming the disease last year, Nicky has been at the forefront of other fund-raising activities for Haven, including a Piano Push to the top of the Worcestershire Beacon in June 2017 which raised £3,640.73.
Alexandra Craigie, fund-raising Manager for Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven, said: “We are thrilled to be the chosen charity beneficiary of Worcestershire County Council’s bra recycling scheme.
“Most women have one or two old bras they want to throw away, so it is a great opportunity to help recycle while also raising funds for the local breast cancer charity.”
Visit www.letswasteless.com to find out more information on where to recycle your unwanted bras.
