Breast cancer survivor who had a double mastectomy now runs topless to show she’s ‘proud’ of her new body – and even took on a marathon 6 weeks after life-saving operation

• Louise Bernadette Butcher, 50, wants to encourage women to love their bodies
• READ MORE: The breast cancer survivors’ club

A breast cancer survivor who had a double mastectomy now runs marathons topless.

Louise Bernadette Butcher, 50, from Devon,  underwent a double mastectomy last year.

The mother-of-two was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in April 2022, and accordingly underwent two surgeries in June and August to have her breasts removed.

Just six weeks after her most recent mastectomy, Louise channelled her dark experience into something positive and immensely impressive – completing a marathon.

In a bid to stigmatise her body type and empower others who have undergone similar procedures, Louise opted to complete the race topless.

Louise Butcher (pictured), underwent a double mastectomy last year. Now, she reduces stigma for cancer survivors by running marathons topless 

‘It took around about six months to get from the person I was with breasts, to the person I was without them,’ Louise told Freeda.

Having previously worked in the music industry, Louise found that her self-worth was often dependent on her appearance.

‘At the time, I used to have quite big boobs and a lot of people would comment on them, and I was really attached to the way I looked’, she added.

Now, after her double mastectomy, Louise strives to challenge the myopic notion that tied her down in her twenties.

‘I want to show people that just because you lose a part of your body that you think is feminine, it doesn’t mean that you change as a woman necessarily’, Louise said.

She added: ‘It’s all about giving empowerment to women [to show] that you can be what you want to be without them.’

And the route Louise thought was best fit to get her message across was running a marathon topless.

‘Being told that you might die is just massive because it puts everything into perspective’, Louise said. ‘There’s more to a woman that the way they look.’ 

The mother-of-two was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in April 2022, and accordingly underwent two surgeries in June and August to have her breasts removed

Just six weeks after her most recent mastectomy, Louise channelled her dark experience into something positive – completing a 26.2 marathon topless

Louise takes on long distance running topless to empower women and encourage them to believe that femininity does not need to be linked to having breasts 

She added: ‘The reason I run topless is sending that message out that this is what I am now, this is what’s happened to me, and I own it, and I’m proud of it.’ 

Social media users have taken to the post to share their thoughts on Louise’s decision. 

One said: ‘Wow this really gave me chills. It put me worrying about my C scar and hyperpigmentation in perspective! What a woman.’ 

Another added: ‘What a BRILLIANT way to reclaim your body and help others at the same time. She is glowing x’

Another added: ‘What a BRILLIANT way to reclaim your body and help others at the same time. She is glowing x’

Louise found that losing her breasts took her through a grieving process, that took her six months to recover from

Louise has raised awareness about the disease, with her marathon running garnering support in the community 

Having previously worked in the music industry and being on stage, Louise often felt judged on her appearance 

Social media users flocked to the comments to share their support for Louise and her empowering hobby 

READ MORE: MAJORITY OF WOMEN DON’T KNOW SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER APART FROM LUMPS 

A third wrote: ‘Your message is so empowering women are much more than their bodies! Thank you for spreading this message.’

A fourth said: ‘What a fantastic human.’

Another added: ‘You are SIMPLY AMAZING!!! Your pure inspiration and proof of how brave and strong we can become once we leave behind the stereotypes that we think define us.’

A sixth wrote: ‘You’re so cool Louise! Can’t imagine how freeing this must feel.’

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