Ella and Laura on posing in pink with Fairfax and Favor

Can you tell us a bit about you?

Laura: I’m now 35 and live with my husband Brad, and our 2 cocker spaniels. Before cancer, I had my own hairdressing business, but I can't use my arm properly since my diagnosis. Now, I run support groups for people with secondary cancer, alongside my Instagram page @baldbooblessandbeautiful.

Ella: Before my diagnosis, I worked with young people needing mental health support, and now, I work in admin. I’m 24 and live with my boyfriend, Owen, and our black Labrador puppy, Freddie. We enjoy going for walks, cooking, baking, and watching Formula 1.

Can you tell us about your diagnosis?

Ella: I was diagnosed in June 2022, age 23, with grade 3 ER+, HER2+ primary breast cancer. It was picked up in a routine MRI for my condition called Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, which means I’m at a higher risk of cancer. My treatment started quickly - a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, and 6 rounds of chemotherapy.

Laura: When I was 25, I found a pea-sized lump in my left breast, and was diagnosed with aggressive stage 3, grade 3, ER+ and HER2+ breast cancer. I was eventually put in remission, but sadly, when I was scanned for severe shoulder pain, I found out my cancer was back. It had spread to my head, spine, and pelvis, and classed as secondary which is incurable. I was facing a very unknown, short future.

I have treatment every 3 weeks, that I was told may only work for 18 months. But for some miracle, I’m still here, almost 7 years later. 

What was your reaction to your diagnosis?

Ella: I was shocked and upset to be diagnosed so young, and I didn’t know anyone my age going through it. It was upsetting to know I’d lose my hair and not feel as confident. I found out about Younger Women Together, a Breast Cancer Now support group, which reassured me. I got answers only someone who’d been through it would know.

Laura: My life was completely flipped upside down and I was terrified. I lost my career and was told I wouldn’t be able to have children, which was devastating.

Googling was scary, so Breast Cancer Now’s website was amazing and the support has been invaluable. I’ve been involved in its campaigns too, meeting wonderful people in the cancer community.

Why did you take part in the campaign with Fairfax and Favor?

Ella: I wanted to do something to raise awareness of breast cancer in younger women. Fairfax and Favor and Breast Cancer Now offered this opportunity to me, and I’m so pleased I accepted. The photoshoot was so fun, and it made me want to spread awareness even more.

What’s the campaign about, and why is it so important?

Ella: The campaign encourages people to be breast aware, as it can happen to anyone, at any age. Sharing my story made me feel so good, helping people who are going through similar, and educating people about breast cancer.

By purchasing something from the campaign, people can make a difference, as 100% of the profits are donated to the charity.

Laura: By using models with personal experiences, the campaign shows the real side of cancer and raises awareness. If it gets just 1 more person to check their breasts, then that’s amazing.

What’s the main message you want people to take from the campaign?

Laura: It’s so important to get to know your normal, so any changes to your breasts are easier to spot. Speak to your sisters, daughters and nieces about checking, and the men in your life. Although it’s rare, men can get breast cancer too. Remember to see a GP if you find anything that worries you.

You can support the campaign too, by buying an item from the collection. All profits go to Breast Cancer Now.