For 20 years, TK Maxx has partnered with Cancer Research UK, raising over £50 million to help fund life-saving research to better prevent, detect and treat cancer affecting children and young people. This milestone is marked by the unveiling of a spectacular 50-layer dress, worn by award-winning British actress Naomie Harris, crafted entirely from recent pre-loved clothing donated by generous TK Maxx customers.
TK Maxx has supported Cancer Research UK through various long-term initiatives, including associate fundraising, customer donations, selling charity merchandise, and the long-running clothing collection campaign, ‘Give Up Clothes for Good’ where TK Maxx customers have donated nearly 2 million bags of pre-loved quality fashion and textiles at donation points in TK Maxx stores.
TK Maxx is Cancer Research UK’s largest corporate funder for research into cancers affecting children and young people. Five-year survival for 0–24-year-olds diagnosed with cancer in the UK has increased from 78% to 86% in the years since TJXE partnered with CRUK1.
With the support of TK Maxx, Cancer Research UK has funded over 260 research projects into children’s and young people’s cancers since 2008, supporting a community of around 1,000 scientists, doctors, and nurses. Over 12,900 children and young people have taken part in Cancer Research UK’s clinical trials over this period, which have helped more young patients survive their cancer and live better lives with fewer side effects.
To celebrate this long-standing partnership and the milestone of £50 million raised, TK Maxx has unveiled a striking one-of-a-kind 50-layer garment created entirely from recent clothing donations, modelled by British actress Naomie Harris. The dress, designed by costume designer Kate Tabor, stands as a powerful symbol of progress and purpose, featuring vivid pink and red hues that reflect the recognisable colours of TK Maxx and Cancer Research UK.
Naomie Harris commented: “I’ve had such a great time working with the team to bring a bit of my signature style to Kate’s incredible designs. Cancer personally touches so many of us – so being able to raise awareness and celebrate this amazing fundraising milestone is the ultimate win-win. It’s an absolute honour to wear this incredible dress in support of life-saving research into children and young people with cancer and it’s amazing to see what can be created entirely from pre-loved clothes. Cancer affects so many lives across the UK, and the hope is that through continued developments in cancer research, outcomes for children and young people with cancer will continue to improve.”
Shot by world-renowned photographer Jason Bell — a long-time supporter of ‘Give Up Clothes For Good’ — the dress brings new meaning to the idea of ‘pre-loved fashion’ and stands as a powerful symbol of the impact that TK Maxx customers have had in driving progress against cancer.
Deborah Dolce, Group Director from TK Maxx added: “We are honoured to have partnered with Cancer Research UK for 20 years and we are especially grateful for the generosity of our customers and associates. And we are delighted to be able to celebrate these achievements that have enabled our partnership to support world-leading research and clinical trials, enhancing outcomes for children and young people with cancer.
“It’s been a dream to collaborate with these three creative forces to bring to life the impact of £50 million raised for this critical work.”
Dr Laura Danielson, Children’s and Young People’s Research Lead, from Cancer Research UK said, “By supporting our work for 20 years, TK Maxx have helped us ensure we can commit to the long-term funding that’s essential to see progress for children and young people affected by cancer. The impact of this work has been incredible and reaches across the world.
“The 50-Layer Dress celebrates these collective achievements, and we’re delighted to be taking a moment to give particular thanks to TK Maxx customers. Every donation raises money that goes towards vital research, bringing hope of a future where all children and young people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”
Testament to this is Leah Howard, from Fleet, who had cancer as a child and has helped support TK Maxx’s fundraising campaigns. Now, at 20 years old and in remission, Leah reflects on her journey;
“When I was just 18 months old, I was diagnosed with leukaemia. In 2014, I was in the posters for the Give Up Clothes For Good campaign which was in all of the TK Maxx stores. My parents and family have been donating to the campaign for years now. Thank you TK Maxx for supporting children like me with cancer.”
For more information, please visit https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/give-up-clothes-for-good.
