Betsy living full life after cancer
FRASER WILSON
An East Kilbride breast cancer survivor has told women in a similar position that a diagnosis is not a death sentence.
Betsy Ward spoke ahead of taking to the stage in a Catwalk for Cancer fundraiser in Glasgow later this month.
And the 64-year-old praised the care and support available to those dealing with the disease, telling them: “There is light at the end of the tunnel”.
The retired civil servant was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time in 2017 and finished treatment in 2018. Now she cannot wait to take part in the catwalk to regain her confidence.
Betsy, from Greenhills, told us: “I was shocked when I went for my routine screening to be told I had breast cancer again in my other breast after 16 years.
“I was first diagnosed in 2001 and had a lumpectomy, axillary clearance of lymph nodes, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and six years of hormone therapy.
“At the time my three sons were young but with the help of my husband, family and friends and Breast Cancer Care I slowly put a new life in action.
“So to be told that I had breast cancer in my other breast was devastating.”
Betsy went through all the same, gruelling treatment again, losing her hair and with it her confidence.
So for her to be a model in front of hundreds of people is a huge deal.
She said: “I applied to be a model on the show but was totally terrified when I was selected.
“To build up my confidence and walk down the catwalk with pride, in front of my family and friends, will be a wonderful day and night.
“It’s also a fantastic way to raise money for Breast Cancer Care. Cancer has changed me but I won’t let it define me. I still have life and intend to live it to the full.”
The charity aims to raise around £160,000 from the event. Two fashion shows will take place, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.
Event manager Claire Devlin said: “Taking to the catwalk is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are incredibly proud of our brave models who will be starring in the show.
“All our models will enjoy some welldeserved pampering and show that it’s possible to look great and feel confident after a diagnosis of breast cancer.
“One of our biggest fundraisers, it will be filled with fine food, fashion, fundraising and first class entertainment.”
For more information or to buy a ticket visit: www.breastcancercare.org.uk/ theshowscotland .
To support Betsy go to www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ betsysbcccatwalkdebut.
Cancer has changed me, but I won’t let it define me...