A FANTASTIC £1,400 was raised for Breast Cancer Now by employees at M&S in Longbridge who took part in their own sponsored cycle.
The 24 workers got on the saddle of an exercise bike in the entrance of the store for the feat which lasted 24 hours and was in support of Breast Cancer Now’s Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign.
Fashion Targets Breast Cancer was originally founded by Ralph Lauren in 1996 after he lost a close friend to the disease and the drive has gone from strength-to-strength, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
As part of that M&S has also designed an exclusive range of clothing and accessories, including six different t-shirt designs, bracelets and pins now being sold in stores nationwide, with 30 per cent of the proceeds going to the worthy cause.
It was one that was close to the heart of the employees and Jo Butler, Womenswear section manager at M&S Longbridge, said when they heard M&S was supporting the 20th anniversary of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, they wanted to raise awareness on a local level.
“Both myself and several of my colleagues have been personally affected by breast cancer and were fortunate enough to conquer the dreadful disease.
“As a team, we want to raise as much money as possible so we can play our part in tackling the illness.”
All of the cash collected will go towards M&S’ national target of raising £13million over the next five years to fund breast cancer prevention research which will help prevent 9,000 breast cancer cases each year by 2025.
Mark Fruin, the M&S Longbridge store manager, added he was extremely proud of his team and the amount raised.
“As a store, we’re keen to support causes which are close to the hearts of our customers and colleagues and the generosity from our customers has been overwhelming.
“We hope our efforts have gone a long way to raising awareness of the campaign throughout the West Midlands.”
Visit www.marksandspencer.com for more on M&S’ Fashion Targets Breast Cancer t-shirts and jewellery collection and to buy the items.
