A MOTHER who had both breasts removed to beat cancer has been chosen as the face of a new campaign to help save lives.

 

Pamela Soutter, of Aberdeen, and her sister Allana Murray have teamed up to model new Cancer Research UK "unity bands", which aim to highlight the importance of friends and family in helping to beat the disease.

Mrs Soutter, 33, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and, after enduring a lumpectomy and six cycles of chemotherapy, took the decision to have a double mastectomy to prevent the cancer returning.

She is now cancer free and looking forward to celebrating her sister's wedding this summer.

The mother-of-two said: "My sister has been a brilliant support so there's definitely strength in unity to get through cancer.

"I was prepared for the absolute worst so actually felt relieved when doctors told me the breast cancer had been caught early. But telling someone you love you have cancer can be the hardest conversation and it can almost feel more difficult than having cancer as you worry about how everyone else will feel.

"My sister and I weren't best friends when we were growing up. But we're so close now. I'm so excited to be bridesmaid for her big day. It feels amazing to be well again to celebrate with her."

The sisters are encouraging people to buy a Unity band to help beat cancer.

The bands, made up of two parts which form a knot to represent strength in unity, are available from all Cancer Research UK shops for a suggested donation of £2.