You are, I am sure, quite aware that October is breast cancer awareness month. I say that because it has surely become one of the most successful charitable campaigns ever launched, with the internationally recognised pink ribbon at the heart of the campaign.
Over the years, more and more companies have joined the campaign, launching pink products that not only serve as a visual reminder but also contribute to the millions of pounds raised in October alone.
This year, the big pink story is, of course, Kate Moss, and her near-naked breast, which she has willingly exposed as part of the campaign.
The supermodel has teamed up with Stella McCartney to be the face – and boobs – of Stella's special Gemma Relaxing range, which she has designed in neon pink.
McCartney, whose mum Linda died of breast cancer, says the idea of the range is to not only raise awareness of the disease but also to remind women to keep healthy and check themselves regularly.
She said: "I wanted to remind women when they wear this set, the first thing they put on in the morning, to keep on top of their health and visit their doctor regularly."
A percentage of the profits from the sales of the range will be donated to the Linda McCartney Centre in Liverpool, UK, with proceeds helping to fund a new mammography suite at the centre.
The collection, which starts at £27, will be available at stellamccartney.com, Stella McCartney stores and select department and specialty stores worldwide.
It is not, however, the only way to support breast cancer this month, as lots of other high street stores have also produced ranges designed to promote awareness – and boost breast cancer charities' funds.
DONATION: Henry Holland lips bag from Debenhams.In fact, it might be easier to list the shops that have not thrown their weight behind the campaign, and with almost 50,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year that is good to see.
Watch out for just how much money is donated, however. Some stores may badge up something nice and pink but are not always as generous in their profit sharing as you might imagine.
River Island's "Fashion is what you buy, style is how you wear it" T-shirt donates a generous 30 per cent of its £18 price tag to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, so that is definitely a spend you can justify as a charitable endeavour.
