Cancer victim moves to make life easier for others like her - Press and Journal - Monday May 5 2008

New lingerie service launched for women who have had Mastectomies

A Nairn woman is setting up a lingerie service especially for women who have had mastectomies.

Ria Beddie, 53, of Boghole Farm, Moyness, Nairn said that, following her double mastectomy two years ago, she had found getting appropriate bras difficult - and sometimes humiliating.

She launches her service, Braria, today, offering a one-to-one service and online shop.

Mrs Beddie said: "There is almost nothing available in the Highlands for women who have had mastectomies.

"After my operation, I was too low even to look online for a suitable bra.

"I went to department stores and found it humiliating - there were no mastectomy bras on display, they were kept in a box somewhere, and there was a lack of understanding by staff.

"And yet one in nine women will fall victim to breast cancer.

"There seems to be embarassment and shame about it.

"After my operation I noticed people gave me funny looks.

"It's also very difficult to get dresses to fit flat-chested women, things you never think about until it happens to you."

Mrs Beddie will carry stock from specialist suppliers Anita and Amoena, and Nicola Jane for swim wear.

She said: "An important function of Braria is giving emotional support.

"Women are very vulnerable after their operations, and chemo and radiotherapy.

"People can get in touch and I will either visit them, they can come to me, or we can meet in Inverness."

Mrs Beddie plans to issue flyers to surgeries, hospitals and post offices, and distribute them as widely as possible during her part-time work as a SVQ assessor in health and social care for adults.

She can be contacted on 01309 641096 or by logging on to http://www.braria.co.uk.