A LADIES only gym is encouraging its members to lend their support to a new breast cancer awareness scheme where their old bras can be turned into vital funds for a research charity.

Staff at Inspire Fitness, based on Union Road, christened the new bra bin, which will raise funds for research into secondary spread breast cancer and help small businesses in Africa sell bras at an affordable rate, on Monday in support of all of their members who have been diagnosed with breast cancer including the gym's owner Ruth Green and marketing officer Carolyn Gribble.

Ms Gribble of Lords Mead was diagnosed with breast cancer last year but is now on the road to recovery after finishing her bouts of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. "Our campaign to raise more awareness for breast cancer is quite poignant," she said.

"Many of the ladies here have had breast cancer including the owner Ruth Green and I was diagnosed with it last year and the support has been amazing. We are planning to hold some events such as a stepathon to raise awareness in October and get the community involved but we have just got a bra bank in and I'll be one of the first to donate some now that I'm a bit of an odd shape."

The recycling scheme, which will directly support the work of Against Breast Cancer and its quest for a cure, will be placed at the front of the gym and Ms Gribble hopes the bank will get people talking.

"You don't know what people are facing in their own lives, so to have that support network is really important," the 52-year-old said. "I am very aware of what I have been through but it might be different for someone else. Everyone at the gym has been so supportive of me and in turn they have all come out with their stories.

"You can feel quite alone and quite vulnerable when you're going through cancer but the ladies at the gym have been fantastic. Obviously in October, it is the national month for breast cancer awareness, so we'll be doing a number of spot days to raise money for Against Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Care."