Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
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Bravo! Business graduate launches specialist post-surgery bras
Morgan Dowler, who graduated with a BA (Hons) Business Management degree from Leeds Beckett in 2013, launched four bras at an event held at the Hard Day’s Night Hotel in Liverpool, whilst raising £450 for North West Cancer Research. The event was attended by doctors, nurses and patients from hospitals across the North West of England as well as those who have supported Morgan in her project.
The Love Me (And My Secret) bras are now available to purchase, with the range including everyday bras, a bra with front and back fastenings to enable women who have had lymph nodes removed to fasten their bras without having to reach around to their back, and a bra with a lower waist band made of soft lace to prevent it from rubbing against scars. All bras feature fuller cups to cover scarring, larger wings for extra support, pockets for prostheses, and a 100% cotton lining.
Morgan explained: “My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 while I was in my final year of study at Leeds Beckett. When mum was a little down we decided to take her shopping; my mum was already upset from her diagnosis never mind being disappointed by what was on the UK high street. With breast cancer affecting one in eight women in the UK at some point in their lifetime I was shocked that nothing had been done sooner. Instead of complaining about the lack of choice, I decided to do something about it.
“We have collaborated with doctors, surgeons and nurses to produce a line of bras with the patients’ needs at the forefront of the design. These bras are comfortable, yet pretty - that even the most style-conscious would want to wear.
“My vision for Love Me (And My Secret) is to become the UK number one brand for post-surgery bras. My company is established on the belief that no matter what, people need to look and feel great and our products are for women who have undergone lumpectomies, mastectomies and reconstructive surgery.
“In 2011, 14,900 women were diagnosed with breast cancer: the most common type of cancer in the UK, while 1.68 million were diagnosed worldwide. Breast cancer rates have increased by 72% since the mid-1970s. My aim is to bring breast cancer sufferers a range of bras that will make them feel confident and feminine again, knowing that the lingerie has been thoughtfully developed and designed with their every need in mind. A positive mind and outlook is essential for women in order to recover from this disease, by improving their confidence.”
Anne Jackson, CEO of North West Cancer Research, said: “We are delighted to have been asked to be the first charity of the year for Morgan and Love Me (And My Secret). We work with women who have lived through breast cancer treatment on a daily basis and many of our long-standing supporters have undergone both single and double mastectomies so we know the struggle they face finding underwear which not only fits great and is comfortable, but looks nice too. It’s great to see someone like Morgan using their own personal story to help create something which will help hundreds if not thousands of women all over the UK, not just here in Merseyside.”
Last year, Morgan made the shortlist for Richard Branson’s £1m competition, Pitch to Rich 2015, with Love Me (And My Secret) by securing more than 1,000 public votes in the first round of the Start Up category competition and finishing in the top 50 companies. To view and purchase the new range of bras, please visit lovemeandmysecret.com.