Cancer survivor shares how to have 'a perfect hug'

Chevi Mcilroy helps with making the cushions at Wadebridge Rugby Club

A Cornish woman who has had breast cancer and a double mastectomy hopes to bring comfort to those recovering by spreading the word about a pillow she calls "the perfect hug".

The small, heart-shaped cushions, made by volunteers, are offered to lots of patients after breast surgery in some areas. Their shape allows them to fit under the arm or across the chest to protect tender areas from pressure.

Chevi Mcilroy, 47, has already raised £1,500 since January to pay for materials for more of the pillows in the county.

She said she was also walking the South West Coast Path to raise funds, and she hoped to create a national support group to support others to make the pillows.

Volunteers meeting at Wadebridge Rugby Club to make post-surgery pillows

Chevi, who underwent treatment last year, was given one of the pillows after surgery.

She said: "When I woke up I found this. It was magic and I said I would raise money for the ladies who make them.

"Now more lovely ladies have got on board and it's something way more magical than I could have anticipated."

She and a group of sewing volunteers meet at the Wadebridge Rugby Club once a month and produce about 70 monthly for local hospitals.

The sewing group is guided by former dressmaker Lynne Watson, who has helped with pattern templates and advises on how they should be made.

She told the BBC she had known Chevi for a long time, adding: "It's a real privilege to be involved.

"I've had about 15 surgeries in my life, and it's giving something back."

Volunteer Katie Bond, who has had a lumpectomy and is undergoing chemotherapy, said: "It's really good because it's cushioning without being too big.

"It's a pillow that can go under the arm, or in front of the car set belt, and in case you don't want anybody to touch you."

The Perfect Huggers make about 70 pillows a month

Oncoplastic surgeon Jeremy Batt, who treated Cheri at the Mermaid Centre in Truro, said: "I'm always amazed by the kindness of generosity of people particularly our breast cancer patients.

"There's a wonderful community and the generosity among breast cancer survivors is outstanding.

"What Chevi is doing is a brilliant example of the power of kindness."

Chevi saiod her ambition was to ensure every person waking up from breast surgery in the UK was offered a Perfect Hug pillow.

She explained: "It's not nationalised, it's not a thing you wake up to. You're just lucky if there's a local group that helps you."