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

Betty Westgate

Categories: Medicine

Betty Westgate

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...

91³Ô¹ÏÍø

Other Subjects

Breast Cancer Care

Breast Cancer Care

Charity providing support for women with breast cancer. Founded by Betty Westgate, five years after she was diagnosed with the disease. Originally called the Mastectomy Association; the name was ch...

Group, Medicine

1 memorial
Sir Henry Wellcome

Sir Henry Wellcome

Born Wisconsin, USA, moved to London in 1880 for business reasons. Pharmacist, founder of the Wellcome Trust and Foundation. His collection of books & artefacts relating to the history of medic...

Person, Benefactor, Industry, Medicine, Museums / Libraries, USA

1 memorial
Oriolet Hospital and Convalescent Home

Oriolet Hospital and Convalescent Home

Founded and endowed by Arnold Frank Hills (1857–1927), MD of Thames Ironworks, sportsman (founder of West Ham FC), philanthropist, and promoter of vegetarianism. A centre of treatment for sick veg...

Group, Medicine

1 memorial
Sir William Beatty

Sir William Beatty

Ship's surgeon. Born in Derry, Ireland. He served on several ships before becoming surgeon on H.M.S. Victory in December 1804. At the Battle of Trafalgar, he performed several amputations, but did ...

Person, Armed Forces, Medicine, Ireland

1 memorial