Being an intuitive woman, she had read the right signals — Jane’s specialist confirming that the cancer had returned, but this time, in her lymph node. Jane immediately had the lump removed and four-months later, another appeared in the same spot as well as on her lung. To save her veins from cannulas and to make it easier for nurses to draw blood and administer meds, Jane had a small surgery to have a port inserted into her chest. The only real drawback to this was the need to stretch clothing over the port so nurses could access it. Enter the Brighter Day story. After talking with doctors, nurses and fellow cancer patients — alongside internet searched — Jane couldn’t find purpose-made clothing specifically designed with port access in mind. So, with ongoing treatment forecast in the diary, she resigned from work, deferred university and set about making port-friendly tops of her own.

Prototypes were soon underway featuring raglan sleeves, easy-access snaps and zippers, and bright colours for a stylish pop of happiness. Comfort was obviously key achieved by using natural fibres that breathe and can be layered to keep you warm or cool.

Jane is lead by curiosity and problem solving and has continued to learn more about medical devices that people have for all kinds of treatments and illnesses, including PEG and PEJ, and stomas.

Presently she is connecting with many organisations and charities to work together towards patient comfort, advocacy and support.

She would also love to hear from nurses and other healthcare workers who have patients in this area and who could benefit from adaptive clothing.