BRA - the Breast Reduction Alliance

PLEASE GIVE ME SURGERY

My breasts are a size 38NN and they're ruining my life. I hardly go out any more. I hate them.

They began to grow when I was eight years old and haven't stopped since. At school boys groped me and called me Titstastic. I never wanted their attention. I'd complain to my teachers but they just laughed.

For years I've been wearing bras that are too small because I can't find any that fit. I take the underwiring out and squeeze myself into them but after a few months they break.

At 16 I went to my doctor and said: 'Please help me. I'm desperate. I know about the risks of an operation and I don't care. I want my confidence back.'

He took one look and agreed. But when I stepped on the scales he said I was too heavy. I was 10 stone, healthy and active.

Then I had my daughter and put on weight. I'm still trying to lose it. I go to the gym twice a week but running is painful. It gives me terrible sores underneath my breasts and I have constant backache. I also go swimming but people just stare at me.

I'm 21and terrified that they'll keep on growing. I don't want to be like this forever. It is a medical problem. The NHS must help women like me.

From Kelly, 21, of Warwick.

Breast reduction is essential surgery that should be performed on the NHS. Yet many women are being refused it. Take a Break says this is blatant sexual discrimination. That's why we have formed BRA - the Breast Reduction Alliance.

You can sign our petition at:
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/breastreduction2

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