THE GROUP that runs Wokingham Leisure Centre, and the town’s BXG FIT boxfit gym, is this month supporting a campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer and funds for related charities.
To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Places Leisure has installed bra banks at six of its sites where people can place their unwanted bras.
For every tonne of these collected, £700 will be raised for Against Breast Cancer, to support life-saving research.
People can hand in bras of any condition at the following locations: Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, Bulmershe Leisure Centre, St Crispin’s Leisure Centre, Ryeish Green Sports Hub, Arborfield Green Leisure Centre, and Wokingham Leisure Centre.
Any lingerie items that are beyond redemption are dismantled and disposed of properly.
On Wear It Pink Day, the group is encouraging staff and members of its leisure sites to wear pink in aid of charity, Breast Cancer Now.
And throughout this month, the company wants to help people recognise signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and to encourage them to take early action by visiting their GP.
The group says that almost all women with breast cancer survive their disease for five years or more, if diagnosed at the earliest stage.
This figure falls to around three in 10 women when breast cancer is diagnosed at the most advanced stage.
Places Leisure Contract Healthy Communities Manager for Wokingham Molly Hale, said: “A member of Places Leisure staff has had first hand experience of living with breast cancer.
“She said: ‘My name is Tracy. I have been a fitness instructor at London Valley for 35 years. “This spring, at the age of 52, I found a lump in my breast and finding it so early saved my life from an aggressive cancer.
‘The Royal Berkshire Hospital were quick to act and provided the most amazing support during an incredibly difficult stage in my life.
‘After five operations and various appointments, I am now back at work, doing what I love every day.
‘Places for Leisure has supported me from day one of my diagnosis, which has made this journey so much easier.
‘It’s something I will be forever grateful for.
‘Difficult roads can lead to beautiful destinations, and I am now enjoying being back at work and spending as much time with family and friends as possible.
‘I ask everyone to check themselves regularly, because it can save your life.’ ”
Ms Hale continued: “We have posters at all of our leisure centres in various locations, including the changing rooms, cafe areas, and at reception.”
For more information about the Bra Bank Scheme, visit: www.againstbreastcancer.org.uk
For information about Places Leisure, visit: www.placesleisure.org
