ELLA AND LAURA, ON POSING IN PINK, WITH FAIRFAX & FAVOR
by Charlie Cooke,
First Published: 27 Sep, 2023
When they were 23 and 25, Ella and Laura heard the news they had breast cancer.They modelled for Fairfax & Favor's pink breast cancer collection, to show breast cancer can happen to anyone, and get people checking.
We are honoured that Fairfax & Favor have chosen to support Breast Cancer Now for our ninth year in partnership together through their beautiful, limited-edition pink products raising awareness of the disease, and vital funds to support people affected by breast cancer. We are truly grateful for their continued support.
Every 10 minutes one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK. Breast Cancer Now is on a mission to make sure that by 2050, everyone diagnosed with breast cancer lives, and is supported to live well.
Anyone looking for support or information can visit the Breast Cancer Now website or call our free Helpline on 0808 800 6000.
When they were 23 and 25, Ella and Laura heard the news they had breast cancer.
They modelled for Fairfax & Favor's pink breast cancer collection, to show breast cancer can happen to anyone, and get people checking.
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 lnstagram 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 A BIT 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 & 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."
SUPPORT ELLA AND LAURA, AND GET YOUR HANDS ON THE PINK COLLECTION BY FAIRFAX & FAVOR.
As part of the Fairfax and Favor campaign. Fairfax and Favor are donating 100% of the profits earned on royalty generating revenue (RGR) which will be given to Breast
Cancer Now a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 1160558), Scotland (SC04SS84) and lsle[B84] of Man (No. 1200).
The £7.40 profit from each sale of the Bobble Hat will be given to Breast Cancer Now.
The £94.40 profit from each sale of the Boudica Boots will be given to Breast Cancer Now.
The £73.26 profit from each sale of the Madeline Gilet will be given to Breast Cancer Now.
The £13.24 profit from each sale of the Tassels will be given to Breast Cancer Now.
The £51.11 profit from each sale of the Trainers will be given to Breast Cancer Now.
The £112.96 profit from each sale of the Finsbury will be given to Breast Cancer Now.
The £8.02 profit from each sale of the Socks will be given to Breast Cancer Now.
The £191.90 profit from each sale of the Amira will be given to Breast Cancer Now.
The £21.29 profit from each sale of the Belts will be given to Breast Cancer Now.
THE BREAST CANCER NOW COLLECTION
