Lancaster store worker holds bra fitting event after beating breast cancer

More than 30 women who are all at varying stages of breast cancer, from early diagnosis to pre and post-surgery, attended the event at the M&S store.

Vanessa Willison-Pirie and the other M&S lingerie experts were on hand to provide guidance on the most suitable shapes and styles for women undergoing treatment, putting comfort and confidence first for the ladies in attendance.

The team helped the women navigate the wide selection of bras available, fitting guests in a relaxed and private environment. Guests were able to choose from over ten varieties of post-surgery bras ensuring the inspirational women in attendance could find the colours, materials and shapes to match their style. While waiting for their fitting, the ladies were also treated to pamper sessions including manicures and massages.

Mr Parmeshwar, a consultant oncoplastic reconstructive breast surgeon from the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, went along with Macmillan nurse Kate Whiteside from the unit to offer advice, support and answer questions.

Vanessa said: “Organising this bra fitting event for those affected by breast cancer has been so important to me. Having been through it myself, I wanted to give other women the confidence to come into store and pick out a bra for themselves.

“The relaxed evening meant that our guests felt comfortable asking questions and really benefited from the whole experience. We have such a great diversity of bras at M&S and it’s important to show women that they have plenty of options, even post-op.”

Store manager Kelly Merrick added: “It’s brilliant to be able to support our local community and offer those affected by breast cancer the opportunity for a more personalised bra fitting experience.

“Several colleagues in our store have been personally affected by breast cancer so we know the challenges that they can face. It was inspirational to meet all the ladies and hear their personal experiences of breast cancer. We hope our guests have gone away with a renewed self-confidence when shopping for bras in the future.”

M&S partners with Breast Cancer Now and stocks a wide variety of post-surgery bras.