M&S has raised more than £35 over the last 25 years for its longstanding charity partner Breast Cancer Now, the retailer’s latest figures have revealed.

The money has been raised through staff and customer fundraising and the sale of products.

The figures have been released as the retailer marks the 20th anniversary of offering its first post-surgery bra at its stores. The retailer continues to offer post-surgery bra and lingerie. Its specialist BraFit service also raises awareness of breast cancer signs and symptoms.

“We’re incredibly proud to celebrate 25 years with Breast Cancer Now,” said M&S lingerie director Charlotte Davies.

“It’s a partnership that has enabled us to support vital research while also using our lingerie expertise to make a practical difference for customers affected by breast cancer.”

She added: “Our brilliant lingerie stylists and expert Bra Fitters are a huge part of that. Their knowledge, care and sensitivity help customers feel comfortable, confident and supported - particularly those navigating life after breast cancer surgery.

“We’re grateful to Breast Cancer Now, our colleagues and our customers for everything we’ve achieved together, and we look forward to continuing this important work.”

Breast Cancer Now head of corporate partnerships Lucy Crisp said: “We’re proud that our expertise helps M&S to be there for women at every stage of their lives, including through and beyond a breast cancer diagnosis.

“With one woman being diagnosed every nine minutes with breast cancer in the UK and a man every day, this support is pivotal for us to change the future of breast cancer.

“We’re hugely grateful to M&S, its colleagues and its customers for their continued commitment. As we look to the future, amazing partnerships like this are vital to helping us move closer to our bold vision that by 2050 everyone with breast cancer will live and live well.”

The charity warns that one in seven women in the UK expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

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