As many of you know, October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month; an international campaign fronted by charities to increase breast cancer awareness and raise money for research into prevention and treatment. According to statistics, nearly 50,000 people every year are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK (source). Although breast cancer predominantly affects women, around 400 men are diagnosed annually, meaning that it is vitally important for everyone to check themselves regularly and understand what normal feels like for their body.
Coppafeel! is an amazing charity that has been particularly busy in their crusade for cancer awareness since 2009. Coppafeel! was founded by Kris Hallenga, who was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer at just 23, and since then, she has made it her mission to bring breast health to the forefront of young people's attention. Coppafeel! integrates their message into 'everyday life' by taking to festivals, universities, schools and workplaces, organising events, social media campaigns, fundraisers and celebrity collaborations to encourage people to 'cop a feel' and, ultimately, save lives!
This October, Ann Summers has become the latest brand to collaborate with Coppafeel! through the launch of their #showthemsomelove campaign. As a brand by women, for women, Jacqueline Gold (CEO of Ann Summers) states: "We are incredibly proud to support Coppafeel! and their vital message. Breast cancer devastates the lives of too many women and it is our hope that this partnership will help remind all our customers to check themselves often, be aware of the symptoms and give generously to Coppafeel!, who work tirelessly in the fight against breast cancer".
Ann Summers has been flying the flag for breast health and cancer awareness through the distribution of in-store awareness leaflets and a free text reminder service has been created to encourage customers to check themselves regularly (text ANN SUMMERS to 70300). Additionally, Ann Summers has organised in-store (and head office) fundraisers to support the cause, including a special press event to celebrate Ann Summers' partnership with Coppafeel!
The event took place at the Westfield Stratford City Ann Summers store and there was a real buzz outside the store as guests (and celebrity VIP's) started to rock up. The event saw appearances from TOWIE's Sam Faiers and Carol Wright, singer Lydia Lucy and MIC's Ashley James (who I had a little natter to about fuller bust bras!)
Never ones to shy away from the 'sex factor', Ann Summers caused a stir both inside and outside of the store by enlisting some topless 'Adonis' hunks to support the
fundraising initiative!
Kris Hallenga of Coppafeel! and Jacqueline Gold (CEO, Ann Summers) (Credit: Ann Summers)
On arrival, guests were treated to a complimentary glass of champagne (or a smoothie!) and were free to peruse the current collections of sexy lingerie and accessories on sale.. (as well as marvel at the giant bunny display piece!)
Kris Hallenga of Coppafeel! and Jacqueline Gold (CEO of Ann Summers) both spoke passionately about their collaboration and the breast cancer awareness cause, with Kris affirming that the partnership with Ann Summers "throughout October and beyond gives Coppafeel! an amazing platform to reach our core target audience."
(L-R: Jacqueline Gold, CEO of Ann Summers & Kris Hallenga, Coppafeel!)
Afterwards, I headed off to the Ann Summers changing rooms for a bra fit and I was delighted to see a continuation of the Ann Summers/ Coppafeel! partnership there too! On the mirror was one of Coppafeel!'s latest adverts, shot by reknowned fashion and portrait photographer, Rankin. The image serves as a great reminder to customers to 'cop a feel' whilst they're trying on their lingerie in the changing room, but also to check themselves regularly!
At the end of the evening, Ann Summers kindly gave guests a fabulous booby goody bag to take home, including a bra of our choice, Coppafeel! information leaflets and a brilliant "I love boobs" mug and 'stress boobs' - the perfect gift for any lingerie blogger!
A huge thank you again to Ann Summers for inviting me along to this wonderful event - it was a brilliant evening and a great opportunity to show support for such an important cause!
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Don't forget to keep 'copping a feel' so that you know what normal feels like for you. You can find out more about Coppafeel!'s amazing work here and if you want to receive those all-important free reminders to check yourself monthly, text 'ANN SUMMERS' or 'BOOBS' to 70300.
Stay tuned for another Ann Summers blog post coming very soon..!
Love,
