LAURA Hunter, a young woman from Tenbury will be taking to the cat walk in the latest step in her battle with breast cancer.

She was diagnosed with the disease two years ago aged just 24 and has spoken about the toll it has taken and of her determination to raise awareness of breast cancer, especially in young women.

Laura will be taking to the catwalk in front of 1,700 people in the Breast Cancer Care London Fashion Show.

This isn't just any ordinary fashion show. What makes this show uniquely special is that all of the models that take part, like Laura, have had a diagnosis of breast cancer.

"I feel privileged to have been chosen along with 30 others models, out of over 250 applicants,” said Laura, who has now been able to return to work two days a week.

“It's bittersweet that having a diagnosis of breast cancer can lead you being part of such an incredible opportunity."

She is looking forward to the fashion show in London at the end of September but admits to also being nervous.

"I feel excited and incredibly nervous about the show, as I have lost a huge amount of confidence since diagnosis.

“But it is a chance to help represent and raise awareness of breast cancer in younger women, being diagnosed aged 24 myself, and this definitely overrules the anticipated nerves,” added Laura.

She has spoken about the impact of her diagnosis and treatment.

"Losing my hair, eyelashes and eyebrows was devastating, but not only that; I lost my whole identity,” she added.

“I felt completely unfeminine and I struggled to recognise myself, especially with facing weight gain from steroids and treatment.

“To be able to get up and parade in front of such a large audience will be a huge, yet incredibly liberating challenge."

"I would like to show that despite the ongoing physical and emotional effects of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, you can still feel good about yourself and you can find a new identity, however much you may miss the 'old' you."

"Being diagnosed with cancer has changed my life and I am grateful for charities like Breast Cancer Care for the support that they provide and the additional focus they place on support for younger women, which is often hard to find.”

Laura, who works for the solicitor Lanyon Bowdler that has offices in Ludlow and Hereford, has spoken about her hopes and fears.

"My future remains uncertain and I have become more anxious about what lies ahead, with the ‘unknown’ feeling scarier than before,” she added.

“Fear, grief, feeling alone and isolated are just a few of the emotional factors that are thrown in with the "cancer package" and every person diagnosed with cancer will experience these and more, regardless of what stage you are at from your diagnosis.

“Many of us have to try and learn to live with the scars; physical and emotional and for some, the wounds won't ever heal.”

She has had meetings in a bid to try to set up a support group for young women in Tenbury and the Teme Valley but says that some help is available.

“Breast Cancer Care's online forums have allowed me to chat to other people in a similar situation and share experiences and exchange advice,” said Laura.

“Their endless sources of leaflets and monthly magazines have helped me to better understand my diagnosis, effects of treatment and options for the future.

“They also run residential courses that allow you the opportunity to meet others with a diagnosis, while receiving support and helpful information, away from the stresses of everyday life. All of these services help tremendously and really have been a lifeline for me."

Laura is seeking sponsorship for the catwalk and any donation would be hugely appreciated.

Support helps to keep the invaluable Breast Cancer Care services running, to ensure that every individual affected by breast cancer continues to receive the vital support that they need.

To donate visit Laura’s JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/thebreastshow