Two Crouch End mums who survived breast cancer while becoming friends have launched a bra-fitting service to support post-mastectomy women.
Kate Courtman, 37 and Sarah Mountford, 39, were both diagnosed with breast cancer within weeks of each other in 2018.
After being introduced by a mutual friend they realised they lived only roads apart - Kate in Linzee Road and Sarah in Boyton Close.
They became friends and supported each other through their treatments as Sarah underwent a single mastectomy and Kate a double mastectomy.
Following their surgeries they regularly discussed their troubles finding guidance for bras post-surgery, when women may be feeling vulnerable.
This inspired them to train to become fitters themselves and to set up The Bra Sisters, a specialist bra-fitting consultancy launched as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October).
Kate said: “I tried a department store service but the fitters were petrified by the prospect of a post-treatment breast cancer patient.
“I left with one bra that even my grandmother would have been embarrassed to wear.”
The Crouch End pals are setting out to support women post-mastectomy and transform bra-fitting.
Sarah said: “Our aim is to find and fit fashion-forward, contemporary lingerie and swimwear for women of all ages so they feel confident about their bodies.
“We want our bra-fitting service to be an enjoyable experience for women so they go away feeling positive about their body and their future.
“That’s our mission – to get the message out there and empower women post-treatment and surgery.”
Kate and Sarah were treated at The London Clinic in Marylebone and are now finalising details on a partnership with the private hospital.
The friends aim to show that clients can have a comfortable and personalised experience as in a lingerie boutique for women who have not suffered from breast cancer.
Sarah said: “It’s about reclaiming the femininity that you’ve partly lost through having such serious surgery - making women feel like they’re women, not like a patient.”
For more information on The Bra Sisters click here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here