Catwalk Queen Jay Embraces Life After Cancer

This article discusses cancer and its impact

Twenty four incredible models all with lived experience of breast cancer - including Postcode Lottery players' very own model Jay Kaur - have taken to the runway at the stunning Breast Cancer Now fashion show in London.

Courageous Jay shrugged off her nerves to become a catwalk star for the day – beaming afterwards it had been "amazing" and thanked players for giving her the "once in a lifetime opportunity".

Fifty-three-year-old Jay feared she would die after being told she had breast cancer during the Covid pandemic almost five years ago.

But the counselling therapist found strength to push through the dark days of her devastating diagnosis - and is now determined to meet life head-on, proudly declaring: "This is me and I’m living my life."

And strutting her stuff on stage - representing Postcode Lottery players who have so far raised £16.6 Million for the UK’s leading breast cancer charity - has been a watershed moment for inspirational Jay.

Jay - whose partner, mum and other family members watched on with pride - said: "I have never experienced anything like that before.

"It was just that moment of seeing my family, it felt amazing and I don’t think I’ll ever get that feeling again.

"I met so many lovely people and it made me realise that everything I went through was so hard. People don’t realise that it changes your life. I’ve totally changed as a person.

"Being here has been the best time, it’s honestly been one of my favourite days."

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK with one woman diagnosed every nine minutes - and a man every day.

Jay was one of 24 models - 23 women and one man - all living with or beyond breast cancer - taking part in the annual event in London.

Jay discovered she had cancer on the day of her niece’s wedding. The revelation left her devastated.

Jay said: "I think at that moment your world just stops. I asked, ‘what do you mean, what do you mean?’

"I just broke down in tears. I was in shock.

"The hardest part was telling my parents. It upsets me every time I think about it."

Jay had a tumour removed followed by reconstructive surgery - and the following months were a whirl of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and treatments.

Despite her struggle, she continued to display steely determination. She immediately ran a half marathon, threw a 50th birthday party before getting the all-clear, then completed the London Marathon just six months after her treatment ended.

And Jay explained why taking part in the Breast Cancer Now fashion show meant so much.

Jay said: "When you are going through cancer everything is taken away from you. You have hospital appointments, you’ve got to go here, you’re told to do this, you’re not allowed to do this but clothes and fashion was the only way for me to hold on to something of myself. And I think that is what I tried to do.

"I used to wear my best shoes, I used to take my best bag, I used to try and wear my nice clothes and the consultant always used to laugh at me. She would say ‘Oh Jay, I like your shoes!’

"I think for me, it was trying to keep my identity. Just be me. And that is why I applied for the Show."

Jay gets solace from being part of the ‘family’ of Breast Cancer Now, who have been at the forefront of research and support for more than 50 years.

And she appreciates the support Postcode Lottery players give to the charity.

She said: "Breast Cancer Now has opened my eyes. Being part of this show, being with those who understand people who are going through breast cancer. It feels like sometimes you are part of a family."

"I’ve been very blessed and lucky to have good family and friends. But I know there is a lot of people who don’t have that. When you go to a charity or meet other people within support groups, a helpline or being part of this show... you have somebody, you are not alone.”

Rachael Franklin, chief engagement officer at Breast Cancer Now, said: "We want to say a huge thank you to Jay for sharing her experience and modelling in The Show to raise awareness of breast cancer.

"The Show by Breast Cancer Now is a fashion show like no other. It is more than clothes, more than style and is about making change happen for people affected by breast cancer. We couldn't do that without people like Jay.

"I also want to thank the players of Postcode Lottery for supporting Breast Cancer Now and raising millions for us over the years which will go towards funding life-changing support.

"Events like The Show and partners like Postcode Lottery all contribute to Breast Cancer Now achieving its bold ambition that by 2050, everyone with breast cancer will live and live well."

And Jay has a final message for Postcode Lottery players.

"Being here representing Postcode Lottery players has been amazing and has given me this once in a lifetime opportunity - so thank you!"