Ladies slip into something more comfortable for charity (From Enfield Independent)

Ladies slip into something more comfortable for charity

10:10am Friday 21st October 2005 in News By Kate Southern

Glamorous Judith Argent from New Southgate looks dazzling as she smiles confidently into the camera.

The mother-of-three is one of 12 inspirational women diagnosed with breast cancer who are starring in a special calendar to celebrate the courage of the 41,000 British women fighting the disease each year.

Corsets 4 Cancer, the brainchild of fashion industry workers, Pamela Shomer and Jeni Dodson, features the women dressed in beautiful vintage 1940s and '50s corsets.

It is hoped the calendar will raise more awareness about breast cancer and provide vital funds for the charities Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Macmillan Cancer Relief and Breast Cancer Care.

Judith, 45, a cognitive therapist from Torrington Gardens, said: "The day I was told I had breast cancer was the most dismal and frightening day of my life. I had recently had my second child and never questioned my state of health.

"Through the constant love and support of my family I developed a strength I didn't know I had which enabled me to cope with the horrendous treatments and go with it'.

"Five-and-a-half years later, and life is beginning to return to normality. Although the fear never leaves me, I value what I have and my life feels very precious."

Judith stars in the calendar in the month of June, along with friends Sarah (February), from Crouch End, and Liz (July) from Muswell Hill.

Jacqui Blood, 39, from Co Wicklow, Ireland, also posed for the calendar. She was photographed before her death from cancer in December 2004.

Judith, who was diagnosed in 1999, has undergone a lumpectomy, reconstructive surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

She added: "I was a little reluctant to pose at first, because I didn't know how I would look in a corset. It was something I would never do in a million years, unless it was for charity.

"The shoot took place in Brighton and we were all treated well and put at ease. It was a fun day, with lots of champagne. It shows people what you can achieve, especially after what has happened."

Corsets 4 Cancer is available to buy from the website www.corsets4cancer.com, or by sending a cheque or postal order to Corsets 4 Cancer, PO Box 3379, Barnet, EN5 9BN.

Each calendar costs £9.95 plus £2.50 postage and packaging.