Annie Dodd may have had a double mastectomy but she's not going to hide behind thick jumpers - she's about to proudly strut her stuff on the catwalk, writes GEMMA SIMMS. The divorced mum-of-two is one of 15 models from around the country who have been picked to take part in the national Breast Cancer Care charity's fashion show at the Park Lane Hotel in London

The show, to be hosted by Vanessa Feltz and the Prime Minister's wife, Cherie Booth QC, will prove that women don't need to feel restricted in whatever they choose to wear and glamorous strapless evening gowns, swimwear and sexy lingerie needn't be banished from the wardrobe.

Annie, 42, of Tamar Way, Didcot, has come a long way from the pain which she had suffered since 1984 and knows how important it is to promote such an event.

She said: "I found lumps which were very painful and sore, so I went to my GP who referred me to a consultant.

"I had a mamogram and medication because they knew it wasn't anything really serious. I didn't have cancer, just benign breast lumps. It became more painful and restrictive. "I couldn't even hug my children or fold my arms and lying on my front was impossible," said Annie.

"I went back to the specialist and even though it wasn't life threatening, it changed my whole lifestyle and I suffered for nine years.

"You could feel some of the cysts that I had and because it was a rare thing, I was lucky if I had two or three pain-free days." Despite the medication Annie was taking, she was in so much pain that her consultant decided something needed to be done.

"I had a mastectomy. It had got to the point where I just wanted my breasts taken off because of the pain," she said.

Annie had one breast removed four years ago and waited six months for the other operation. She had reconstruction surgery straight away.

"I didn't feel ill afterwards but very sore and it took a while to get moving again. My family and friends were very supportive.

"I didn't make it a secret at all. That sort of thing is not talked about and people are not open about it," she added. While Annie had been going to the clinic, she met a breast cancer carer who gave her plenty of support after the operation.

But Annie wanted to find support from someone who had the same benign disease as she had had. She said: "I knew how I felt and needed someone to know how I was feeling so I decided to become a volunteer and I can support women who, like myself, have benign breast disease.

"It's very rewarding when you hear the relief in their voice because they realise they are not the only ones. Through being a volunteer, I actually became a committee member, organising the fashion show and when they said they needed models, I decided to take part."

Annie's aim is to promote looking and feeling good after breast surgery as well as promoting the service the charity gives.

"Even if I hadn't had reconstruction, I wouldn't feel any different - all the models are different ages, shapes and sizes and all have had different surgery. "I feel good and my partner has really encouraged me. That's why I want him to be there at the fashion show watching me on the catwalk. I have never done anything like this before but how often do I get the chance to be a catwalk model?

"It's me as a person, not what you look like."

Vanessa Feltz said: "I am thrilled to be taking part in such a unique and truly marvellous event.

"The beauty, elegance and courage of the models who have all had breast surgery will prove to everyone that there is life after breast cancer - that women can still look and feel good and choose to wear sexy dresses and lingerie if they want to."

Two fashion shows will take place at the Park Lane Hotel in London on October 12.

For more information, call the ticket hotline on 0171 384 2984.

BREAST CANCER FACTFILE

*Breast cancer affects one in 12 women in the UK at some point at their lifetime

*More than 35,000 women a year are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK

*The UK has one of the highest incidences of breast cancer in the world - it is the most common cause of death in women aged 35-54

*Breast Cancer Care

has been supporting women with breast cancer concerns as well as their family and friends for 25 years

*The charity supports more than 250,000 women every year by offering a free helpline, supported by the Nationwide Foundation (0500 245345)

*There is a nationwide volunteer service: Trained volunteers who have had breast cancer and can offer one to one understanding and support at a local level

*Free information leaflets and audio cassettes are available on all aspects of breast cancer

*A prosthesis fitting service is offered in London and Scotland

*About 200 men a year are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Previous news story

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.