AN Alton Convent School pupil has come up with an amazing innovation that could help in the early detection of breast cancer.

And now she is wanting your votes to support her bid for another award.

Year 11 pupil Alexandria Gyford, 15, has designed a cancer-detecting bra which netted her first prize in the Wearable Technology category of last year’s National TeenTech Awards.

The programme challenges 11 to 18 year olds across the UK to create their own product to make the world a safer, better and kinder place to be.

Her product – Bra with Benefits – is a cancer-detecting bra, designed to identify early-stage cancer before any outward signs are visible.

Driven by a desire to make a difference, Alexandria (Alex) experienced first hand the impact of breast cancer in her own family. As part of the process designing her innovative underwear, she has worked with leading scientists in the United States and UK to validate and develop her ideas and designs.

But her drive to make an impact on the lives of millions of women around the world surpasses the development of technology.

Alex said: “I am dyslexic and when I was eight I couldn’t read or write. I was inspired to take part in the TeenTech Awards by some girls in the year above me. I’m so glad I did. Now, I just want to really encourage other children and teenagers not to be limited by labels and follow their dreams.”

To help get this message out there, Alex spoke to 150 year eight and year nine pupils at Winchester Science Centre on International Women’s Day to share her story. She will also be returning to speak at her previous specialist dyslexia school later this year, during National Dyslexia Week.

Alex is currently pursuing the further development of her product while working towards her GCSEs.

In recognition of her ground-breaking design and follow-on outreach work, Alex has been shortlisted for a Tech4Good award. To vote for Alex, visit tech4goodawards.com/vote-now. Voting closes at 5pm today (Friday).