Police help collect 'mountain of bras' for charity

A police force and a shop owner have worked together to raise money for breast cancer charity by collecting a "mountain of bras".

Emily Hodges, owner of Amelie Lingerie in Devizes, began collecting bras on behalf of the charity Against Breast Cancer in 2022. Earlier this year, she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.

When Georgina Dahl, from Wiltshire Police, went to the shop for a bra fitting, she was inspired to support Ms Hodge's charitable mission.

"Emily's story is an inspiration," said Ms Dahl. "This initiative not only helps fund research but also encourages women to check themselves and seek help early."

For every tonne of bras donated through the Against Breast Cancer scheme, about £700 is raised for vital cancer research.

The bras themselves are also redistributed by women's cooperatives in developing countries, helping women earn a sustainable income.

Following her visit to the shop, Ms Dahl set up collection boxes in stations and encouraged colleagues to dig through their drawers and donate any unwanted bras - regardless of size, style, or condition.

Ms Dahl added: "I'm describing [the amount of bras we've collected] as a mountain because, initially, they were in the backseat of my car because I had nowhere else to keep them."

The collection grew into a community effort as more people got involved, including Ms Dahl's local women's institute group and local churches.

Ms Hodges said she was blown away by the response.

"Seeing the sheer volume of bras collected by Wiltshire Police is incredibly emotional," she said.

"One in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, including me.

"That's why supporting research into early detection and treatment is more important than ever."

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