Person    | Female  Born 19/2/1919  Died 18/12/2000

Betty Westgate

Categories: Medicine

Health campaigner. When diagnosed with breast cancer, she was dismayed at the lack of information and support for sufferers of the disease. This led her to found the charity which was to become Breast Cancer Care. In the 1970s, before breast reconstruction became widespread, post-operative women were advised to stuff handkerchiefs, cotton wool, or even tights into their bras. This spurred her to design the 'Cumfie', which was soft, washable and spin-dryable.

Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Betty Westgate

Commemorated ati

Betty Westgate

Betty Westgate MBE, 1919 - 2000, a pioneer and campaigner for breast cancer s...

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Other Subjects

First purpose built nurses' home in London

First purpose built nurses' home in London

The Henriette Raphael Building at Guy's Hospital.

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1 memorial
Lady Superintendent Alice Cross

Lady Superintendent Alice Cross

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Person, Medicine

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F. W. Clifford

F. W. Clifford

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Person, Emergency Services, Medicine, Museums / Libraries, Politics & Administration

1 memorial
Dr. Joseph Rogers

Dr. Joseph Rogers

Health care reformer. The picture source, an article on Rogers in the British Medical Journal, 16/12/1989, was kindly brought to my attention by one of its authors, Ruth Richardson.

Person, Medicine

1 memorial