Devonport women showed their creativity and compassion on Wednesday when they gathered to raise money for Breast Cancer Support (BCS), an organisation dedicated to supporting women with a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Deidre Parr, of BCS

Organisers of the evening Gillian Scott and Cate Campbell of Body Casting NZ have recently turned their talents to breast casting women who are about to undergo mastectomies and wish to have a memento of how their bodies were before the operation.  For this particular event, local volunteers had breast casts made and then decorated them to help raise money for BCS.

Speakers at the event included local doctor Sally Rushworth who clarified many of the bewildering statistics around breast cancer, and explained the importance of regular examinations and mammograms. Then Deidre Parr, chair of Breast Cancer Support, shared some of her personal experience in a moving talk which emphasised the crucial role of peer support in facing the challenges of this disease, quoting C. S Lewis  :‘Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, “What, you too? I thought I was the only one.”

Sally Rushworth, local GP, also spoke

Deidre was accompanied by Marie Goudge, who had been Deidre’s one-on-one supporter when she was going through her breast cancer journey.

Following this, the irrepressible Jo Eakin, a colour and image consultant and also new owner of the Torpedo Bay Café where the event was held, took us through the different styles and types of bras available. Devonport Lingerie very kindly donated a selection of gorgeous bras for our perusal while Jo discussed, in her unique way,  the importance of fit and proper measurement when buying a new bra.

Devonport’s own Deb Cronshaw ably undertook the role of MC for the evening, which continued with a raffle and judging of the breast casts to find the ‘best decorated’ (won by popular vote by the  gorgeous and funny ‘Breast of British’). This cast will be displayed at Devonport Lingerie over the next week. Delicious food and fine wines were generously donated by Deb Thompson, Devonport Cupcakes and Bob Campbell, and over $1,000 was raised for Breast Cancer Support. SkinSense DaySpa also kindly donated vouchers for the goody bags.

Gill and Cate would like to thank everyone who gave so generously of their time and resources to make the evening such a success.

Breast Cancer Support can be found on Freephone 0800 BreaCanSupport (0800 273 222), on the web at www.breastcancersupport.co.nz or email support@breastcancersupport.co.nz.

BCS offers support groups (including one in Takapuna), one to one support, a comprehensive website, and phone support by women who have recovered from breast cancer for women who have been diagnosed. BCS do not offer medical advice but are available for practical advice, friendship and and help during this difficult time. They are particularly keen to reach out to younger women in the community.

Body Casting NZ can be found on www.bodycasting.co.nz or phone Gill on 021 212 0112 for information on breast casting, pregnancy belly casting and kids casting.

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