The founder of a Lurgan-based breast cancer awareness charity has been named as UTV Pride of Britain Regional Winner and shortlisted as a Pride of Britain Award finalist in recognition of the many lives she has helped change across the country.
Joanne Harris – founder of Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland – could even be crowned ITV’s Fundraiser of the Year!
Back in 2016, after seeing her friend struggle with uncomfortable NHS prosthetics post-mastectomy, Joanne was inspired to take action.
She brought the idea of Knitted Knockers – soft, 100% cotton, handmade breast prostheses – from the USA to Lurgan, and has since changed the lives of thousands of women across Northern Ireland.
Thanks to Joanne and her team of 74 dedicated volunteer knitters, over 5,000 prostheses are lovingly made and provided free every year to women who have had a mastectomy or breast reconstruction. She linked with Gordon’s Chemists and through them can deliver Knitted Knickers throughout NI.
One year later Joanne along with her committee founded Breast Friends Clubhouse NI a social and creative space for Breast Cancer Warriors, also offering various programs and Alternative treatments.
This October will see the start of a Secondary Breast Cancer support group the first support of this kind in the SHSCT area.
Two other groups are Lurgan’s Ukes and Lurgan Players (specialising in Murder Mystery’s) enriching lives through music and drama.
Joanne was delighted to secure one of the oldest buildings in Lurgan High Street, the delightful Quaker buildings and January this year saw the opening of The Dusty Blue Bell in 80-82 High Street, Lurgan – this is home to Knitted Knockers, Breast Friends Clubhouse, Lurgan’s Ukes, Lurgan Players and The Dusty Blue Bell, which specialises in artesian Creative Workshops, Patchworking, Jewellery, Clay, Paint N Sip, Learn to sew, crochet and knit classes and will soon start Chocolate, sugar craft and baking workshops.
This month brings the launch of Two women only Book clubs – LitChicks 18-45 year olds abd The Blue Belles Book Club over 45 year olds. The Dusty Blue Bell also runs Women’s Wellness Days, Supper clubs, Movie quiz nights all advertised via Facebook, Eventbrite and at The Dusty Blue Bell.
Joanne also recently linked with Banbridge Boulevard and set up a second Knitting group specialising in Yarn Bombing and will be launching a second Breast Friends Clubhouse at The Boulevard to support Breast Cancer Warriors in that area, and recently linked with the wool shop in Lisburn centre as part of their Breast Cancer awareness initiative.
Joanne will now be heading to London for the finals on October 20 with the evening to be televised on October 23.
If you wish to book a group booking, birthday party or crafternoon tea or Paint N Sip to support the work of Knitted Knockers and Breast Friends Clubhouse contact 07926102041.
