DIVA caught up with Georgie to find out more about representation, queerness and awareness
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY BREAST CANCER NOW
When Georgie reached down to grab the TV remote one day, it felt like she had a pebble stuck in her top. Feeling around for the culprit, she eventually discovered a lump on her breast. It was like it had come from nowhere. Just a few months before they’d had a workshop in her office from CoppaFeel, a breast cancer awareness charity, but she’d assumed she checked regularly enough. After having a check-up at her doctors, she was referred to a breast clinic. A week later she found out that she had a breast cancer diagnosis grade three HER2 positive ER PR negative.
After six rounds of chemo, a further 14 rounds of preventive chemotherapy and a mastectomy with a DIEP reconstruction, Georgie is now making it her mission to educate and inform younger people about breast cancer. This May she will be walking as part of Breast Cancer Now’s The Show, an incredible runway celebration that will see 24 models living with or beyond breast cancer strutting their stuff to raise awareness.
For Georgie, it’s vital that more people know about the variety of breast cancer that can affect people of all ages. “I didn’t realise there were so many different types of breast cancer,” she tells me in the run-up to The Show. “There are more younger people than you’d think who get breast cancer. Even now, when I go for mammograms and it’s not my usual surgeon, people look at me like they don’t understand.”
As a bisexual woman, Georgie tells me that she’s been really fortunate in receiving inclusive and understanding medical care. The only challenge she faced during her journey was discussions about fertility. “The opportunities are so challenging for anyone going through this anyway because chemo can really damage that for you. People will say ‘Don’t worry, you’ll be able to get pregnant’ like it will just happen naturally. But I have another thing that’s not going to make that too easy for me!”
Having gone through her breast cancer journey, Georgie reveals that the process has given her a “different perspective” on doing what feels right for her. “Life is too short to waste it with someone who isn’t making you feel anything but amazing! [My journey] has given me a different approach to not caring so much about what people think. I’m really happy to shout about it.”
Georgie met her partner Bonnie shortly after finishing her treatment. Bonnie was there when Georgie went through post-cancer anxiety, offering support and love. Having met after Georgie’s mastectomy, she reveals that she had initially been self-conscious following her breast reconstruction.
“My boobs are literally covered in scars,” she says. “But I think we’ve worked through that, and I’ve learnt that it’s something to be proud of really. Now instead of trying to cover them, I’ve accepted that’s just my journey and my body’s got me through that.”
What advice would Georgie give to a partner of someone who has breast cancer? “Just listen. You’ll never be able to fully empathise with someone unless you’ve been through it, but just try to listen and understand.”
Breast Cancer Now’s The Show is about more than just fashion. It’s a celebration of the journeys of the models on the catwalk. After a tough 12 months battling post-cancer anxiety, Georgie is walking in The Show to provide representation for other younger people who have breast cancer.
“Cancer is the crappiest club, but there’s so many good people in it,” she smiles. “People are still blown away that I’m still in my 30s and I’ve had cancer. So many times you go into breast clinics and look at the material and you’re looking at women that you can’t relate to. I want to show that cancer has genuinely no stereotype.”
“If you do find yourself on this rubbish rollercoaster, know that there are people like you. Just because you don’t see them, doesn’t mean they’re not there. Cancer is isolating for anyone, but I think particularly when you’re young it can be weird to not see anyone like you.”
What message does Georgie have for the queer community? “Girls, guys, non-binary pals – check, check, check! Know your body. There are so many charities like Breast Cancer Now that are trying to show that it’s all about knowing your normal. Don’t be scared of it. Feel empowered that you can go and check.”
The Show by Breast Cancer Now will be taking place on 15th May in London. To watch The Show online, visit: breastcancernow.org/theshowlondon
Anyone seeking information and support can speak to Breast Cancer Now’s expert nurses by calling the charity’s free Helpline on 0808 800 6000.
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