Breast cancer patients in Swindon have not been forgotten by charities despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

Volunteers for the clothing charity Dressability have made 50 drain bags for patients who have recently had to have a mastectomy.

These shoulder bags carry the drain which remains after the operation to allow excess fluid to be removed.

With the appearance of a fashion accessory, these bags mean women who have recently undergone the major surgery can carry on with daily life unhindered by the medical equipment.

“This is such a worthwhile cause,” said Trisha Southard who has been leading the team of five volunteers all working from home to make the bags.

“Covid has obviously been the big issue for the last year or so, but all the cancer patients must be desperate to carry on with their treatment. So it’s been really nice to be able to do something to help them.

“Breast cancer is quite close to my heart. There’s quite a few people I know who have had it or are going through it, so I wanted to take this on,” she added.

Each bag, which takes roughly half an hour to sew once the fabric has been cut out, has adjustable straps to fit to the person wearing it.

“They mean someone who has had the procedure can just put it across their body and go about their day as normally as possible,” said Trisha.

The bags will be delivered to patients from Great Western Hospital and The Ridgeway Hospital over the next few weeks, and more have been requested.

Manager of Dressability Sharon Tombs said: “They make such a difference for people. It’s brilliant for mobility because if you have to carry a drain around, for example in a carrier bag, you’ve only ever got one hand free so you can never do anything because you’re carrying that bag. These go over the should, against your side, so they’re much more practical.

“And the most important thing is that nobody can see what’s inside because the bags are lined. At a time when a lady’s confidence has been really knocked after having a mastectomy, we can do something to help give back some of that confidence and dignity,” Sharon added.

The charity was approached by the Rotary Club of Swindon who were themselves contacted by Ridgeway Breast Care Support Group.

President of the Rotary Club Debbie Vincent said: “Cancer has affected people I know, people I love and we all know somebody who has had cancer in some form. So we at Rotary do all we can to support this very needy cause.

“It’s making a difference. My theme for my year is making a difference. However big or small. I do believe these drain bags will be an enormous advantage to the people who receive them. They’re attractive and if you go out, all people will think you’re carrying is a handbag.”