Most of us with IBD know the struggles of changing our clothes sizes. Some find it so hard to gain weight because of constant flares while some of us have increased weight very quickly due to some of the medications used.
My name is Brenda Meakin and in the first two years after diagnosis I went from a size 24 to a 12 and have now settled at a 14/16. This has proved extremely expensive because in all honesty I had to buy a complete new wardrobe at least twice because of the huge difference in size. Being retired myself I found that really expensive and made me think how many of us are affected by this changing of sizes and lack of funds. A friend of mine Sarah Young who is also in #getyourbellyout posted in the group one day offering members clothes that no longer fit her. It was like a ray of light to me and within fifteen minutes I'd created a group and persuaded Sarah to join me as admin.
The idea is that anyone who may have clothes that no longer fit uploads a photo and details, size etc and anyone interested will comment that they would like the item. It is then offered on a first come first served basis. The item is 100% free, the only cost is to reimburse postage. The poster then sends their PayPal details to the new owner in a private message and receives the delivery address.
We have had some amazing donations including wedding and bridesmaids dresses and there are many photos of some of our successes on the group page. I'm delighted to say that we're also now getting some beautiful photos of members modelling their new clothes.
The group is for everyone who feels we can help them to feel better by having clothes that are new to them and fit properly.
So the reason for starting a just giving page to attach to the group comes from an idea from a member tonight. Having donated some items she decided not to be reimbursed for the postage but to donate the payment to CCUK instead. There is 100% no obligation to donate as the Bellies clothes donate or swap will always be free apart from postage. I just think if the page is available we have a choice.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.