'How could someone do this?': Breast cancer charity hits out at bra thief

A breast cancer support group has been left angry and dismayed after around 1,200 bras displayed across a West Yorkshire town centre were stolen in a suspected theft.

But it has vowed to carry on its vital work and say they have CCTV footage of the suspect that they intend to share with police.

Pontefract and District Breast Cancer Support Group members hung around 1,500 bras on railings and in shop windows in and around the town centre at the start of October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The group said around 80 per cent have been stolen after cable ties attaching them to railings were cut.

The bras were donated by members of the community.

Group founder Rachel Brown, of Ackworth, said: "There is a girl who saw the bras last year around the town and went home and checked her breast and went to the doctors and it was breast cancer.

"We met up with her and she more or less said it had saved her life.

"After last year, 30 new ladies came forward to join the group. Up to now this year we have got 11 new ladies.

"The support we have go this this year is phenomenal."

Rachel added: "People are in disbelief and angry that someone would do this. It makes us more determined to do it next year.

"If we have to we will hang the bras higher so he can't reach them."

"I know it's a man and if he wants to come forward I would just like to explain to him why we are doing it."

Rachel was diagnosed with breast cancer 2014 and underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy.

She said after her treatment finished she felt she needed help to cope with what had happened to her and decided to start a support group.

Seven women turned up to the first meeting of the newly launched Pontefract and District Breast Cancer Support Group in 2015.

The group now has 542 members and meets from 10am to 12pm on the first Thursday of every month at the Tooth and Tiger on Southgate, Pontefract.