Health Minister Mike Nesbitt commends 'wonderful' role of Knitted Knockers breast cancer support in Lurgan
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has paid tribute to the “wonderful” work of the Knitted Knockers charity in Lurgan.
During a recent visit, Minister Nesbitt learned more about how the charity, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year, provides handmade, lightweight breast prostheses for women who have undergone a mastectomy or breast surgery.
He said the group’s work highlighted the essential role of the voluntary and community sector.
"This is a wonderful example of volunteers coming together to provide support for those living with breast cancer. Joanne Harris and her team of dedicated volunteer knitters produce over 5,000 free, handmade prostheses every year for women who have had a mastectomy or breast reconstruction.
"I am committed to improving the breast assessment service for women across Northern Ireland and the latest statistics show substantial progress in this area with current assessment waiting times halved from 12 weeks in September 2025 to five weeks two days.
"In addition to medical intervention, the compassionate support from charities like Knitted Knockers is vital, creating a social environment through the Breast Friends Clubhouse, as well as providing mental health and wellbeing assistance.”
A spokesperson for Knitted Knockers of Northern Ireland said: “Huge thanks to Mike Nesbitt, MLA, Minister of Health for Northern Ireland, Doug Beattie MC MLA, Kyle Savage Councillor, who kindly visited us along with Hope Graham, Ali Campbell, Helen Smyth and Joanne Harris, great to be able to showcase our work and discuss concerns and way forward, we look forward to working together and thank you all for all your help and support.”