A group of women have stripped off for a topless calendar to raise funds for the new breast care unit at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr.

The women involved have all had breast cancer in the past or have experiences of the breast service.

The calendar was organised by Clair Harvey, a member of the Friends of ABUHB Breast Unit – a fundraising group set up in 2018 to raise £200,000 towards additional services the NHS is unable to provide.

Ms Harvey said: “As a breast secretary for many years it was a privilege to give something back for the fabulous service that is provided for local people facing a breast cancer diagnosis”.

The photographs used in the calendar were taken at various castles across the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area.

Gaynor James, who is a councillor in Pontypool, took part in the calendar and said: “It has been an absolute honour to be part of this project and I hope that the bravery of these women will encourage the public to support them by buying this calendar.

“This is about raising awareness but also the much needed funds for the local NHS charity which will allow them to continue to support patients through a breast cancer diagnosis.”

Emma Wilkins, fundraising manager for breast services at ABUHB, thanked Kenny Barnett of RossPhotoz for donating their time free of charge to take the photos

The calendars cost £5. To buy a calendar, contact Ms Wilkins on emma.wilkins5@wales.nhs.uk

The breast unit

The new breast care unit is set to open in 2022. It will be based in a new hospital building at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr, which will be connected to the main hospital by a glass corridor.

Work is expected to start on the new building this year.

The new building will have a variety of consultation, examination, ultrasound, radiology, mammogram, treatment and counselling rooms, along with a reception and waiting area, as well as changing rooms and toilets.

There will also be room for offices, staff facilities and a volunteer café.

Eight car parking spaces at the hospital will be lost to accommodate the new building, but 13 additional spaces will be provided, including two electrical charging points.

While the unit is being funded by the Welsh Government, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has set up a fundraising group – The Friends of the ABUHB Breast Unit – to raise £200,000 towards additional services for the unit.

The group is now less than £20,000 away from their target.

It is hoped the extra funding will go towards creating a more comfortable environment within the unit for patients and families, with custom designed rooms and a centre of excellence.

For more information about the breast care unit or to fundraise for the unit, visit Obv.sr/breastunit