Leeds Beckett University graduate pursues Branson support for breast cancer lingerie line

A Leeds Beckett University graduate is hoping to take her startup underwear business to the next level by impressing Sir Richard Branson.

Morgan Dowler, who graduated in BA (Hons) Business Management in 2013, is launching a specialist brand of underwear specifically designed for breast cancer patients.

In her final year at the university, the aspiring entrepreneur was one of three selected students awarded with the University’s Vice Chancellor’s Enterprise Scholarship, worth £3,000, to invest into her lingerie line ‘Love Me and My Secret’.

Morgan is looking to develop her business venture even further, so she is now seeking votes in a bid to be in the running for Richard Branson’s £1m competition, #VOOM: Pitch to Rich 2015, which aims to help 10 UK start-ups and established businesses to grow and win new customers.

If Morgan is successful, she will have to pitch her lingerie line to Richard Branson, who will judge the winners.

Branson is calling for all entrepreneurs behind businesses large and small to pitch for a prize of cash and marketing support. There is £150k in marketing support available for the most innovative start-up, with two runners up receiving support worth £50k.

Morgan, who was inspired to launch her business after her mum was diagnosed with breast cancer, said: “Lingerie currently available for breast cancer and post-surgery patients is far from aesthetically-pleasing and I want to create products that women will want to wear and that will make them feel good about themselves.

“My vision is for ‘Love Me and My Secret’ to become the UK number one brand for post-surgery bras. My company is established on the belief that no matter what, people need to look and feel great and our products are for women who have undergone lumpectomies, mastectomies and reconstructive surgery.

“In 2011 14,900 women were diagnosed with breast cancer: the most common type of cancer in the UK, while 1.68 million were diagnosed worldwide. Breast cancer rates have increased by 72% since the mid 1970s. If I was to win, this prize would enable me to provide marketing materials to every breast cancer centre in the UK and deliver my product range directly to the women affected during a traumatic period in their lives.

“I know, first-hand, the disappointment and the deterioration in a woman’s confidence when they see what is available on the UK high street. My aim is to bring breast cancer sufferers a range of bras that will make them feel confident and feminine again, knowing that the lingerie has been thoughtfully developed and designed with their every need in mind. A positive mind and outlook is essential for women in order to recover from this disease, by improving their confidence.”