October 15th marks Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about breast reconstruction options following mastectomy. This significant date also aligned with M+A Partners’ most recent Volunteer Day, during which the team had the privilege of supporting the inspiring charity Keeping Abreast.
Volunteers started the day at The Forum, where they had the opportunity to learn more about the charity’s vital work. Keeping Abreast supports individuals considering or going through breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, offering practical advice, emotional support, and the chance to speak to others with shared experiences.
Hearing personal stories from those directly involved with the charity really brought home how significant its work is – and why raising awareness matters so much.
Following the briefing, the M+A Partners volunteers made their way to Marks & Spencer in Norwich, equipped with collection tins, information leaflets, and a shared commitment to increase awareness. They engaged with members of the public, many of whom shared their own personal connections to breast cancer and reconstruction. These meaningful and insightful conversations served as a powerful reminder of how many lives are touched by these experiences.
In-store, the volunteers raised an impressive £175.01, contributing to a collective total of £1,309.28 raised throughout the day.
Chanelle Athow, Chartered Accountant at M+A, reflected:
“This was an opportunity for us to engage directly with the public. Hearing their experiences first-hand was incredibly valuable – it highlighted just how important the right support and advice can be. We were fully supported by the Keeping Abreast team, who clearly briefed us on their mission and made sure we felt confident in speaking to people throughout the day.”
M+A Partners were pleased to support Keeping Abreast on BRA Day, helping to raise awareness and funds for their ongoing work. The day served as a clear reminder of the importance of accessible, community-based support for those affected by breast reconstruction.
To find out more about Keeping Abreast and the work they do, visit: keepingabreast.org.uk
