Three brave friends who defied breast cancer strip down to inspire others after surgery 

When these three friends had life-saving mastectomies they never thought they would look good in lingerie again.

But the brave women have stripped down to show others they can regain their confidence after surgery.

Eleanor Howie, Caroline Scott and Laura Middleton-Hughes, who are all from Norfolk, were determined to prove breast cancer sufferers should never be ashamed of their scars.

Eleanor Howie (centre), Caroline Scott (left) and Laura Middleton-Hughes (right), who are all from Norfolk, were determined to prove breast cancer sufferers should never be ashamed of their scars

Miss Scott, 38, who works for Keeping Abreast, a support group for women who have had mastectomies, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and had a mastectomy in 2013

Mrs Middleton-Hughes, 32, who lives with her husband Brad, said: ‘After my mastectomy I did feel frumpy and didn’t think I would ever feel sexy again. 

‘But you learn to love your scars because ultimately they are reminders of what saved your life.’ 

She was diagnosed with aggressive stage 3 breast cancer aged 25.

The hairdresser, who has set up Secondary Sisters, an online support group for women with the disease, had both breasts removed and then a reconstruction in 2015. 

The brave women have stripped down to show others they can regain their confidence after surgery. Pictured left to right: Caroline Scott, Eleanor Howie and Laura Middleton-Hughes

The cancer spread to her pelvis and spine in 2016. Mrs Middleton-Hughes now takes hormone drugs.

A year after her diagnosis, she befriended Miss Scott, 38, who works for Keeping Abreast, a support group for women who have had mastectomies.

Miss Scott was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and had a mastectomy in 2013.

Cancer survivors Caroline Scott (left) and Laura Middleton-Hughes (right) modelling lingerie

Last year they met Mrs Howie, founder of Valiant Lingerie for cancer survivors who have had mastectomies. 

She had a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery at 24 after learning she carried a breast cancer gene. 

Mrs Howie, 33, set up the brand ‘to help women feel more confident after surgery’. 

Miss Scott said: ‘Before I had cancer I would never have dreamed of posing in my underwear… I wear my scars with pride.’