The Big 'Boobie Bear' Hunt For Breast Cancer

Wednesday, 10 May 2023 09:00

'Boobie Bears' have been hidden around Jersey, teaching those who find them about breast cancer and its signs.

Rose Shepard has placed more than 300 cuddly toys across the island, with the hope she will save lives.

Little labels are attached to the bears explaining the signs of breast cancer.

The idea is to make people more aware of the disease and how they can spot the symptoms early.

The 52-year-old lost a close friend, Kristal Jackson, in February to Stage 4 breast cancer, from which Rose is also suffering.

Losing her friend inspired Rose to bring the 'Boobie Bears' project to Jersey. She contacted the UK founder Helen Occleshaw, who is a cancer survivor.

"With Helen’s help and the kind donation of all sorts of cuddlies from family and friends, plus the wonderful team at Acorn, the Boobie Bear project is now on Jersey."

Anyone who finds one of the cuddly toys is asked to register the bear on the Facebook group.

After the bear is registered, photos can be added of it taking a journey to another location, where it is then placed and passed on. It is a little bit like a game of 'Pass It On' with a toy, with the aim to spread knowledge to women and men across the world.

"It's great for the kids - it increases their awareness of breast cancer."

I know it saves lives because I've had people who have private messaged me... saying 'my son or daughter have found this bear, and I read it and I thought my goodness I never check myself' and as a result of that there has been a lump and it has been breast cancer."