"I spent most of my life hating my body. Everyone I knew who was thin always seemed much happier than I was. Truth was, I was traumatised after losing my mother to breast cancer when I was a teenager. I internalised everything and for a long time felt ill when I looked in the mirror.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my mid-forties it set me free, and taught me to accept and love my body for the first time in my life. I said goodbye to my left breast, then had a new one reconstructed from my back muscle. I have many scars, from many breast surgeries, and also giving life to three babies and appendix removal.

I have total respect for my patchwork quilt that I wear. I am a survivor, and I am strong."