'Inspiration' Jo stuns on the catwalk

Oct 9 2007 By Alison Dayani, Birmingham Mail

WHEN Jo Ravenscroft had a lump removed to save her life from breast cancer, the last thing she imagined was ever regaining enough confidence to be a catwalk model.

But more than two years after her recovery, she has won the admiration of celebrities as she bravely held her head up high to strut her stuff in a very special fashion show.

Jo was called an "inspiration" by showbiz onlookers including Geri Halliwell, Fiona Phillips, Meera Syal, Denise Lewis and Lisa Snowdon as they cheered her on in the Breast Cancer Care catwalk show in London.

Mother-of-two Jo, of Orphanage Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield, was one of a handful of breast cancer survivors picked to model - to prove there is life after such a devastating diagnosis.

Jo, a staff nurse at Heartlands Hospital, said: "I was nervous but all the celebrities were so supportive. Geri Halliwell gave me a hug, and Denise Lewis wanted to know what I had been through.

"Body image is a big thing with breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy and luckily didn't need a breast removed, but I lost my hair and my confidence through the treatment.

"Even though I am a nurse, I felt completely helpless and needed as much help as anyone else."

Jo, who has two children Teisha, aged 20, and Elliott James, 12, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003.

Jo's family and friends cheered her on during the show at London's Grosvenor House, after Jo's manager Gaynor Hill sponsored a table worth £1,500 so they could all go.

A photo of Jo is now donning the window of Swarovski shops nationwide, including one in the Bullring, after the jewellers decided to back the cause.

Breast Cancer Care provides support for anyone affected by breast cancer on 0808 800 6000 or at www.breastcancercare.org.uk