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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Sabrina Barr

Steph McGovern reveals touching story behind her 'Girly Swot' jumper on Have I Got News For You

Television presenter Steph McGovern has revealed the touching story behind the “Girly Swot” jumper she wore on Have I Got News For You.

McGovern recently appeared as the guest host on the BBC satirical news panel show.

During her stint on the television programme, the former BBC Breakfast presenter wore a bright blue jumper, emblazoned with a pink kiss design and the phrase: “Girly Swot.”

McGovern received high praise for her performance on the show, with several viewers also expressing their admiration of her choice of garment.

After noting the popularity of her jumper, McGovern arranged for a portion of the profits accumulated from online sales of the jumper to be donated to Rubies, a charity that supports vulnerable girls in Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland.

The presenter tweeted her gratitude towards the “hundreds of people” who bought the jumper, the sales of which she said raised thousands of pounds for Rubies.

“And to them it means MILLIONS. I am buzzing!” she wrote.

Several of McGovern's Twitter followers commended her for helping to raise awareness and money for Rubies with her choice of jumper on Have I Got News For You.

"It was so funny. Look forward to you being back. Well done on raising awareness for the charity too," one person wrote.

"Can't wait to wear mine! The girl done good!" another added.

The design for the jumper, which was created by Balcony Shirts and comes in blue, grey or black, was devised by McGovern and freelance designer James Mobbs.

The garment costs £30, with £5 from each sale being donated to Rubies.

McGovern stressed on Twitter that she is not making any money from jumper sales.

Rubies thanked McGovern on Twitter for raising awareness of the organisation.

“We’d like to say a huge THANK YOU to @stephbreakfast and to everyone who’s bought the jumper so far!” the charity stated.

“This will make a massive difference to a small charity like ours and most importantly to the girls we support.”

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