Published: Wednesday, 13th August, 2008 12:30
Breast cancer survivor takes to the catwalk
By Nicola Findlay
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Christine Ramsay is looking forward to her role as a model.
Pic by: David Robertson
A KINCARDINE mum-of-two will strut her stuff on the catwalk in celebration of beating breast cancer next month.
Christine Ramsay (49) is taking part in this year’s Breast Cancer Care Scotland Fashion Show along with 19 other women and men who have been diagnosed with the disease.
The mum of a four-year-old, Christine was devastated to be diagnosed with the disease at just 34, but was determined to fight it.
She told the Advertiser, “I felt a lump and went to the doctor who sent me to Falkirk. I was only 34 and had a four-year-old son, Roy, so never thought it could be breast cancer. I remember sitting with the doctor and being told the worst news of my life. I was absolutely devastated.”
Christine underwent 10 months of treatment, including a mastectomy and chemotherapy, which took its toll not only on her but also her family.
“I was just so tired and it was hard trying to look after my son who was too young at the time to understand what was going on,” Christine continued.
“I had a lot of support from my family, however, and I was determined to beat it because I wanted to be there to see my son growing up.”
Christine was dealt a further blow when doctors told her that she wouldn’t be able to have any more children.
She went on, “Around the time of being diagnosed we were trying for another baby but doctors said that I couldn’t have any more because it would be too much of a risk.
“It was heart breaking but four years later I gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby boy called Alex, who will always be my wee miracle.”
When Alex was four Christine decided to go ahead with reconstructive surgery but this proved unsuccessful and she had to endure a painful recovery in hospital.
But 15 years on from her diagnosis Christine is keen to show that there is life after cancer by taking part in the fashion show in Glasgow on 25 September.
“I was so scared of dying but with the help and support of Breast Cancer Care I can say 15 years later I am alive and well and am going to be a model in the Breast Cancer Care Fashion Show.
“It’s been great to meet the other models in the show who themselves have battled with the disease and I am looking forward to making my sons - who are now 11 and 19 - proud when I strut my stuff on the catwalk.
“By taking part in the show I hope my story may encourage other cancer patients by letting them know that there is life after diagnosis and that you can still look beautiful after breast cancer.”
Last year’s show was Breast Cancer Care Scotland’s most successful to date, raising over £145,000 for the charity’s services which support people affected by breast cancer across Scotland.
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