Latest news with #LouiseButcher
The Independent
27-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Woman runs London marathon topless after her double mastectomy
A London Marathon runner who had a double mastectomy ran the race in nothing but her running shorts and trainers. Mother-of-two Louise Butcher ran topless to raise awareness of breast cancer after being diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in April 2022 and undergoing a double mastectomy. In a video posted to Instagram, Butcher is seen smiling as she runs through water to cool off, saying: 'it's like 50 degrees!' She started running topless after her treatment to inspire others and embrace her body.
The Independent
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
London Marathon runner who had double mastectomy makes history with topless This Morning interview
A London Marathon runner who had double mastectomy made history when she appeared topless during an interview on This Morning on Tuesday (22 April). Mother-of-two Louise Butcher wore just her running shorts and trainers as she was praised by hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley during the live interview to raise awareness of breast cancer. Ms Butcher underwent a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in April 2022. Following her treatment, she started running topless to inspire others and embrace her body. She said: 'I've worked so hard to get these messages out there and empower so many women. It's about being your authentic self and owning your scars.'
Mint
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Breast cancer survivor to run marathon topless after double mastectomy, flaunt scars, ‘I accept the way I am'
This weekend, Louise Butcher will take part in the London Marathon to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now charity. And, she will run topless. She was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in April 2022 and underwent two mastectomies by August 2022. She bravely chose not to get reconstructive surgery as she wanted to feel proud of her own skin. After five rounds of radiotherapy, she ran her first virtual London Marathon in October 2022. On April 21, 2024, she became the first woman to run the marathon topless. She flaunted her mastectomy scars during the run. Louise also joined a topless swim event for charity in November 2024. She is currently touring the UK, running in cities like Bath, Cardiff and London. 'I'm proud of myself and everyone else who has jumped on board to make topless running more normal and something that people can connect with. I feel great and really strong at the moment,' she told the New York Post. 'I didn't feel the need to stick with social norms and get reconstructive surgery. I accept the way I am — and it's something I've learnt to control despite what others think,' she added. Louise wants to raise awareness about lobular breast cancer and promote body positivity. She chose to run topless to send a strong message of self-acceptance. Many people, including women and breast cancer surgeons, support her and praise her bravery, per NY Post. Louise raised $4,650 (nearly ₹ 4 lakh) for the charity Breast Cancer Now through her marathon effort. Encouraged by the positive response, she has now started a running tour across the UK. She hopes her actions inspire others to feel proud of their bodies. 'People saw me topless, and they were crying, women were shouting my name – it was just unbelievable…I think people can relate because it's real,' she said. First Published: 26 Apr 2025, 04:35 PM IST
Telegraph
26-04-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The inspirational woman running the London Marathon topless
For Louise Butcher, running topless is just a way of life. After a double mastectomy two years ago, running bare-chested is a means to shed what she describes as the 'baggage of social norms' and embrace everything a life without bras has to offer. Running has been a constant part of Butcher's life since she used it to help her manage anxiety and ADHD, but it took on additional significance when she was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in April 2022. Despite being encouraged by doctors and other professionals to undergo a breast reconstruction, Butcher made the decision that was right for her, even if it was not the expected one. Throughout her treatment she continued to take to the paths around her local area and even completed her first marathon – London's virtual race during the coronavirus pandemic – just six weeks after her second mastectomy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Louise Bernadette Butcher (@louisebutcher39) 'I wanted to show people that we [those who have had mastectomies] don't need to hide. It's just scarring. There's no boobs there,' Butcher tells Telegraph Sport from her home in south-west England. 'The week before I ran it, I was like 'I'm going to do it topless' and I didn't really tell that many people. I told my close friends and I got people at the end to be there. 'But it was kind of like, 'I'm just going to do it and I'm going to see how it feels and I know it's got to be done'.' Having made the decision not to undergo reconstruction of any kind and pushed herself through marathon training in a desire not to be 'pitied' during her cancer treatment, it is that drive that propels Butcher in her running journey. When asked what it feels like to run topless, Butcher pauses before continuing with enthusiasm: 'It feels like you're still a woman and you're still feminine, but you've lost all this baggage of social norms and bras. 'It feels a little bit like going back to childhood, but you're still a woman, but in a freeing way. I feel in a way like I've got armour on when I'm doing it. I feel less vulnerable now without boobs, because I think, obviously, boobs are sexualised.' She adds: 'I remember when I was younger and I was in music and in the entertainment industry and boobs created attention and there were [a lot of ideas] about how a woman should look and people stared at them. And so when I go out running now and I'm topless, there's nothing to stare at. And even though there are scars there, I feel so much less vulnerable, but I still feel like a woman.' Butcher admits there has been a mixed reaction to her running topless. While her husband and children have been 'amazing', others do not understand her reasons for doing it. Her message, though, is simple: 'I wanted to empower other people.' Three other inspirational women taking on the 26.2-mile route 'I'll feel like I'm carrying Rob in spirit' For Lindsey Burrow, the London Marathon has always been an aspiration and 14 days after ticking that off the bucket list, she will run the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon. Two 26.2-mile races in two weeks will be tough, but it is all for a good cause. Burrow's husband Rob, the former England and Great Britain rugby league international, died last June aged 41, after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease in December 2019. Rob's former team-mate Kevin Sinfield has raised more than £8 million for MND charities by taking on a number of physical challenges in recent years, including seven ultra-marathons in seven days, and now Burrow will embark on her own fundraising quest. 'It's going to be tough emotionally because it's the first one after Rob's passing, and it's a really tough course,' Burrow explains to Telegraph Sport of the Leeds race. 'Running London, I feel like I have set myself up for a challenge. This is unknown territory for me because it took me two days to walk down the stairs after I ran Yorkshire last time. It's going to be an emotional day. For me, it's just going to be trying to kind of soak in the atmosphere and just get round the course the best I can.' She laughs as she recalls fighting against being overtaken by someone dressed as a minion in the inaugural Rob Burrow Marathon in 2023, but the conversation turns more serious when it comes to what she will be wearing in London. Every year since her late husband Rob was diagnosed, Leeds Rhinos have held a charity MND game with players wearing a specially-designed shirt, and Burrow will be sporting a version of that in London. 'This year on the shirt, it's got a silhouette of Rob and 200 names on it – 196 of all the players Rob played with, then myself and the children's names are on the top where his head is as well,' she says, before adding: 'I'll feel like I'm carrying Rob with me in spirit. I feel like Rob will be with me on the day, probably going, 'Come on, run a bit faster Linds'.' 'I'm excited to visit London' Having honed her running skills doing ultra marathons in the hills around Kathmandu and racing up to Everest's Base Camp, the London Marathon might seem straightforward, but Asma BishwaKarma's journey to the event has been longer than most. After losing her mother aged 10 and spending much of her childhood doing hard labour in a brick kiln, BishwaKarma now fosters hopes of becoming a professional runner and will be among the first wave of elite athletes in London. Born in West Nepal in a small village called Ropa, the remote area known for being the epicentre for armed rebel groups, BishwaKarma is one of five siblings who moved to Kathmandu after the death of her mother. She found work first in a brick kiln, then a small restaurant and later in a family guesthouse, where she looked after their children and earned just over £30 a month. Aged 16 and having had no formal education, BishwaKarma was rescued by a local charity and offered the chance to attend school. Now 22, BishwaKarma will run the marathon to help raise money for that charity, Child Rescue Nepal. For her, running is not just a sport but a means to see the world. She has never been outside of Nepal and, with the help of a translator, says she is 'very excited' to visit London and is keen to see the seaside. Ahead of London, she has been scouring YouTube for footage of the race. She is looking forward to seeing Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace on her 26.2-mile route around the capital, although as an athlete the main focus has been on what to pack in her limited luggage allowance to allow for the UK's changeable April weather. 'I'm running on my 18th birthday' Most teenagers might spend their 18th birthday celebrating with friends or family, but Lucy Jones will be running the London Marathon. When asked about her friends' reaction to her decision, Jones says: 'They think it's incredible, they're very proud of me. 'My friends just go out for a drink on their birthday and for me to be doing a marathon… I'm actually running something that's so hard, not many people run a marathon in their lifetime, so for me to actually do it and on my 18th birthday, it's just crazy. It doesn't feel real.' Jones is the youngest competitor in the 2025 edition of the marathon and will be running the race alongside her father Chris, with the pair planning to cross the finish line on the Mall hand in hand. Lucy will be wearing a Macmillan shirt with 'Mum' on the back in memory of her mother, while Chris will be raising money for the Asthma and Lung Foundation in honour of his mother and Lucy's grandmother, who passed away last April.
New York Post
26-04-2025
- Health
- New York Post
I was first woman to run London Marathon topless — now I'm doing it again
The first woman to run the London Marathon topless is feeling 'all fired up and excited' to run it again this weekend. Louise Butcher, 51, last ran ran the 26.2 mile route on April 21, 2024 — two years after undergoing a double mastectomy for lobular breast cancer. On Nov. 3 last year, she was one of 250 women to take part in a topless swim, for the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity. Louise is currently undergoing a running tour of the UK, covering cities like Bath, Cardiff, Devon, London, and The Great North Run in Newcastle. 7 UK woman Louise Butcher is preparing to run the London Marathon topless again — three years after having a double mastectomy for breast cancer. Mark Passmore/SWNS She will now be embarking on the London Marathon this weekend, raising money for the Breast Cancer Now charity. Louise, a charity worker, from Braunton, Devon, said: 'This will be my fifth marathon in total, and I've only been running marathons for two-and-a-half years now. 'I'm proud of myself and proud of everyone else who has jumped on board to make topless running more normal and something that people can connect with. 'I feel great and really strong at the moment. 'I haven't had any injuries, and I've been doing strength training for the last three months. 7 Louise was the first woman to ever run the race topless last year. SWNS 'It is totally about looking after your body, making sure you're not doing too much: it is not just about going running. 'The power is in the healing.' In April 2022, Louise was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer, after receiving an ultrasound on her left breast. The tissue was thickened, and during her first single mastectomy in June 2022, her surgeon discovered a 5 centimeter tumor close to her chest wall. She had her second single mastectomy, to remover her right breast tissue, in August 2022. 7 Louise was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in 2022. Mark Passmore/SWNS Despite feeling the 'pressure' to get reconstructive surgery, Louise opted not to go for it — and says she wanted to fight against social norms, and feel comfortable in her own skin. She received five rounds of intensive radiotherapy — and ran her first, virtual London Marathon five after finishing treatment, on Oct. 2, 2022. 'I didn't feel the need to stick with social norms and get reconstructive surgery,' she added. 'I accept the way I am — and it's something I've learnt to control, despite what others think.' The charity volunteer ran virtually again, in the 2023 London Marathon — and vowed to take part in-person the following year. 7 Louise says she is 'fired up' to take on the historic race again. SWNS On April 21, 2024, Louise became the first woman to run the Marathon topless while showing off her mastectomy scars. This year, she is 'beyond excited' to take part in the epic run once again. Louise said: 'I'm so excited and fired up for Sunday! 'I have to run it to get rid of all the energy I have after taking it slower these past few weeks to prepare!' As well as wanting to raise awareness for lobular breast cancer, she says she also wanted to promote body positivity and self-acceptance. 'Lots of people knew me through TikTok, so I had a lot of people cheering me on,' Louise said. 7 Louise has been documenting her journey on social media to inspire other and spread body positivity. Mark Passmore/SWNS 'It would've been an amazing experience doing it anyway; if I was topless or not. 'But people saw me topless and they were crying, women were shouting my name – it was just unbelievable. 'Breast cancer surgeons were coming up to me and saying it was all amazing. 'It just felt like the right thing to do — to go topless at that time.' Louise managed to raise $4,650 for charity Breast Cancer Now, just by taking part in the Marathon last year. Now, she is undergoing her running tour of the UK — which will include the upcoming London Marathon, as well as the Great West and Great North runs. 7 Louise is running the marathon to raise money for the Breast Cancer Now charity. SWNS Louise said: 'I want to empower people and document my journey to inspire others. 'It's about showing all the vulnerabilities. 'I posted videos at the start, when I was going through cancer, so people can see the journey and know that you can get past those feelings. 'I think people can relate because its real. 'So much good can come out of negative — it may not be cancer, people go through such traumas in their lives. 7 Louise is currently on a running tour of various UK cities including London. SWNS 'But it doesn't mean your life has ended. You can make things positive too.' Louise runs around Braunton most days without a top on — and has no plans to stop anytime soon. Louise added: 'The whole thing has opened up a can of worms, to be honest. 'But I wanted that to happen — I didn't start [running topless] because I thought everyone was going to like it. 'I was doing it to ignite change; to get people to think about what they were saying to others about their appearances. 'I accept the way I am — this is the best my body has ever been, ever. 'I'm the strongest I've ever been, and the most beautiful.' Louise has said she will also be releasing a book this year entitled 'Going Topless,' which will document her experience.
