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Youngest UK double mastectomy patient, 23, celebrates victory over disease with Manchester photoshoot

By Nafisah Atcha

One of the youngest women in the UK to be diagnosed with breast cancer, and undergo a double mastectomy, was treated to a luxury pampering experience by a Manchester charity last week.

Emma Neville was just 23 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and after being told there was a 38% chance the cancer could return she took the difficult decision to undergo a double mastectomy.

Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention teamed up with luxury photographers Wreck My Dress Experience in Worsely to create a beautiful and empowering image.

Emma said: “I looked at a variety of past artwork, and liked the idea of me being sat on top of something that represents cancer, to show that I have beaten it and got on top of it.

“I was also keen to include the pink ribbon tattoo that my mum, my sister and I had done together when I started the treatment, so this was something else I was keen to include.

“We also had many ideas involving superheroes or super power!’’ 

Resident creative photographer Giles Toller helped produce the final image which sees Emma holding a pneumatic drill over the remains of a giant letter ‘c’ which is smashed in pieces on the ground.

Emma added: “The picture means so much to me – Giles and the team really did us proud with what has been created.

“Giles understood exactly how much the charity means to me, and also how important my family have been in providing the strength to get through this.”

Tom Wallwork, director of Wreck My Dress Experience said: “I am delighted that we have been able to create such a powerful and memorable image that highlights Emma’s remarkable story.

“Cancer is something that touches the lives of us all and through our ongoing support of Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention we look forward to meeting and working with other inspirational individuals such as Emma.”

For more information about Genesis Cancer Prevention visit http://www.genesisuk.org/

Picture courtesy of mfrissen via Flickr, with thanks

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