BREAST cancer patients from across west Suffolk are to follow in the footsteps of the famous Calendar Girls and strip down to their lingerie to raise money for support charities.

BREAST cancer patients from across west Suffolk are to follow in the footsteps of the famous Calendar Girls and strip down to their lingerie to raise money for support charities.

The models, who have all undergone surgery to tackle the disease, will model a range of underwear stocked by specialist company Eloise Lingerie to show other patients there is life after the illness.

Organisers hope the calendar, based on the theme of Confidence after Breast Cancer, will reassure those recently diagnosed that their femininity will not be compromised – even if surgery is necessary.

"The aim of the project is to inspire others, showing you can still enjoy looking feminine and attractive whatever treatment you have," said Gillian Brown, who set up Bury St Edmunds-based Eloise lingerie 10 years ago.

"We felt it would be nice for our customers to participate in the project, as we have had so many letters from people thanking us for showing them the range of lingerie available.

"Diagnosis is often a very traumatic time for patients, so we plan to send 400 calendars to breast care nurses around the UK in the hope they will display them and give women who have recently been diagnosed extra confidence.

"We want to raise awareness among breast cancer sufferers that patients can still wear pretty lingerie, appropriate to their needs and preferences, which also takes into account the length of time since surgery."

The models featured will all be local Eloise customers, with ages ranging from 30 to those in their 70s, while the majority of profits made by selling the finished items will be donated to specialist charities.

"When I first started out, lingerie for breast cancer patients tended to be frumpy," added Mrs Brown. "There was a huge need for a wider range of underwear, and I think we have made a lot of women happy over the years.

"This job is generally very rewarding, although there is a down side when customers with terminal illnesses do not survive."

The calendar photoshoot will take place on October 21st at Clarice House spa and leisure club, in Bury, with finished products available for purchase from the beginning of November.

Any businesses interested in sponsoring the project, or retailers keen to stock the calendar, can contact Mrs Brown at sales@eloise.co.uk or by telephoning 01284 828787.