How Does Sustainable Fashion In Castleford Help Yorkshire Cancer Research?

Ever walked past a charity shop and wondered about the stories behind the clothes in the window? It's easy to think of it as just a place to find a bargain or drop off old bits and bobs. But what if that simple act of buying a pre-loved jumper could do something massive?

Like, helping to find cures for cancer and being kinder to the planet at the same time. During Sustainable Fashion Week, which runs from September 27 to October 5, this very idea is being celebrated, especially by the charity Yorkshire Cancer Research. A local designer is showing everyone in her community just how powerful second-hand fashion can be.'

A designer with a difference

In the town of Castleford lives a fashion designer named Goodness Woodhead. Now, Goodness isn't just any designer; she is a passionate advocate for something called sustainable fashion. That's basically a fancy way of saying fashion that is kind to our planet. Instead of clothes being made, worn once, and thrown away, it's all about reusing, recycling, and giving items a much longer life.

She is well known in her community for running fashion events and special classes that teach women from all walks of life how to upcycle. Upcycling is like a magical makeover for clothes, turning something old or unwanted into something completely new and cool. Through her amazing community work, Goodness uses her skills in fashion to help people in a really meaningful way.

More than just clothes on a hanger

The work happening at Yorkshire Cancer Research shops is about so much more than just selling second-hand clothes. Think about this: so far this year, supporters of the charity have helped over 114,000 items of clothing find new homes. That's a huge number of tops, trousers, and jackets saved from being chucked into a landfill.

Every single purchase made in one of these cancer research shops helps the charity fund new and better ways to prevent, spot, and treat cancer right here in the Yorkshire region. It's a brilliant cycle. People donate items they no longer need, other people buy them, and the money goes directly towards life-saving work. This simple act of shopping helps people affected by cancer, making the charity shop a hub of hope and help for the entire community.

From denim rags to designer dreams

Back in May 2025, Goodness was planning an upcycling-themed fashion show. She needed a lot of material, specifically denim. But instead of buying brand-new fabric, she headed to her local Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Castleford. She knew she could find some hidden gems and support a fantastic cause. She said:

"I wanted to support a cause at the same time, so I headed down Castleford High Street. When I walked into the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop, the team were so friendly and supportive. I left with a big bag of denim rags and turned them into something special".

This is what upcycling is all about. Goodness took a bag of denim pieces that couldn't even be sold and saw potential. She used her designer skills to transform those scraps into incredible, unique outfits, proving that with a bit of creativity, waste is just a new beginning.

Fashion that restores confidence

The most powerful part of Goodness's work is the direct help it gives to women in the community who have been affected by cancer. The journey through cancer treatment can be incredibly tough, not just physically but emotionally too. It can really knock a person's confidence. Goodness designs special outfits specifically to help restore that self-esteem.

She explained, "I've met many women whose cancer treatment has deeply affected them, both physically and mentally." She continued, "Some have had mastectomies and are still coming to terms with the changes to their bodies. It's sad to hear how this can knock their confidence and make them feel uncomfortable in their clothes. I want to help change that".

By creating outfits that make these women feel comfortable and beautiful, she gives them a chance to feel like themselves again. She even invites them to model her creations in community fashion shows, turning fashion into a tool for empowerment and healing. It's a clear example of how this designer's community work helps people regain their spark.

A call to the community

Goodness hopes her story will inspire more people to see the magic in second-hand shopping. It's not just about saving a few quid; it's about a much bigger picture of saving clothes and, more importantly, saving lives. The role of cancer research shops is vital in funding the pioneering work that happens in Yorkshire.

She said: "Buying second-hand means you're not just saving clothes from landfill - you're helping to save lives. I encourage everyone to step into their nearest Yorkshire Cancer Research shop, do their bit to reduce waste and discover the magic of giving old items a new lease of life. By purchasing just one item, you are helping to support people in Yorkshire affected by cancer." It's a simple message with a huge impact. Every single one of the items in a charity shop has the potential to help someone.

Growing a network of good

The effort to combine sustainable fashion with fundraising is growing. Yorkshire Cancer Research currently has 15 shops across the region, but it doesn't stop there. By the end of 2025, three more are set to open in Skipton, Scarborough, and Sheffield. The charity has a bold ambition: to have a shop on every high street in Yorkshire.

This would give people all over the region the chance to shop, wear, and donate second-hand items, all while contributing to vital cancer research. Tony Graham, the director of retail at Yorkshire Cancer Research, summed it up perfectly: "By supporting a Yorkshire Cancer Research shop, you can also help make a difference to people affected by cancer. The charity's shops provide a vital source of income for the life-saving work taking place here in our region, made possible by the generosity of those who shop, donate and volunteer."