New city centre bra-fitting service
Cancer Focus NI has launched a unique new specialist bra and swimwear fitting service in the heart of Derry/Londonderry for women undergoing breast surgery.
The service is available at premises adjacent to the Cancer Focus NI charity shop at 27a Shipquay Street. It aims to normalise the shopping experience for cancer patients. The opening of Derry’s new shop and bra-fitting service is one of the highlights of Cancer Focus NI’s 50th anniversary.
Unique service
Debbie Leslie, Fitting Service Coordinator, Cancer Focus NI, said: “We’re very excited about our new venture. Our bra-fitting service is unique to Cancer Focus NI and we now have a total of nine fitting centres reaching women all over Northern Ireland.
“Patients in the North West previously had to go to Altnagelvin Hospital for this bra-fitting service but we feel bringing it to the high street is more convenient and makes it part of the normal shopping experience for women with a breast cancer diagnosis.”
Debbie Leslie (right) with fitting volunteer Christine O’Hagan
After surgery and treatment for breast cancer, some women feel less confident about their body and self-image. Feeling good in your clothes can make a real difference, which is why we provide this specialist service.
Debbie added: “You can choose from a wide range of styles and we’ll help find the right garment, in the right size, to suit you, so you can continue to wear the clothes you love. This patient support service is completely free and totally private.”
Impressive
Breast cancer survivor Donna Duffy, from Strabane, said: “I started using the Cancer Focus NI service after I had a mastectomy at the end of 2013.
Donna Duffy with her daughter Kerry
“I have visited the new centre in Shipquay Street and I’m really impressed. Before I had to go to hospital for this service but I’d much prefer to come here. I can go to the Richmond Centre, then pop around the corner to the charity shop and make it part of my everyday shopping. Going to the shop normalises it for you. It’s a new normal, but you’re back, you’re getting on with it and you’re living life.”
Donna added: “The range of items is very good and Debbie is so lovely and friendly, she makes you feel so comfortable. And she knows what looks right on you. If you explain to her what you want she will happily order anything in for you, nothing is a problem. I’m looking forward to getting some nice new swimwear for my holidays this year.”
Cancer Focus NI also has a partnership with The Pink Ladies. They bring the bra-fitting service to women in more rural areas including Limavady, Castlederg, Donemana, Strabane and Eglinton.
Fitting free of charge
The fitting service is provided free of charge. Patients can buy from a wide range of cost price styles and colours from leading brands, keener prices than in the high street. To make an appointment for fitting or for more information email debbieleslie@cancerfocusni.org or call 028 7116 0036 x302.
We offer our bra fitting service at nine different venues across NI. Find out more here.
