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This Morning spoke to guest Louise Butcher who is running the London Marathon topless for a powerful reason
This Morning underwent a show first on Tuesday when guest Louise Butcher appeared topless in the studio for a poignant reason.
Louise, who underwent a double mastectomy in 2022 after a lobular breast cancer diagnosis, proudly showcased her life-saving surgery scars to raise awareness and inspire others.
Host, Ben Shephard, commented that they had to place a microphone on Louise’s shoulder, saying: “I’m not sure we’ve ever necessarily had to do an interview like this?” to which Louise asked: “Is this a first?” with Ben confirming: “I think it might be!”
Louise was overjoyed by the milestone, exclaiming: “This is amazing, my message is I’m so passionate about what I do and I work so hard to get this message out there.”
She added: “So thank you, thank you, this is just going to empower so many women out there!”.
Louise’s journey began when she was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in 2022, just three weeks after a clear mammogram.
Despite the shock, she continued to pursue her passion for running, completing the virtual London Marathon six weeks after her mastectomy and three days after radiotherapy, reports Wales Online.
She has since participated in numerous marathons and running events, using her platform to spread awareness and inspire others. During her interview with Ben and Cat Deeley on This Morning, Louise discussed the criticism she’s faced for choosing to run topless.
She explained her stance, saying: “It’s not a shock tactic but it is as it’s not something you see. My family are very supportive they kind of know that I think outside the box, I have most of my life.”
Louise continued to defend her decision, stating: “I like to spark the discussion, even if it’s negative, because to me that’s valid because people’s perceptions are different and you’ve got to get it out there to get discussed.”
She addressed some of the comments she receives online, particularly one recurring theme: “Even comments I get on my social media, usually the one about the testicles: ‘Well, if I had testicular cancer should I run around now without pants?'”
Louise countered the argument by highlighting the difference: “Well how does that work as there’s still bits dangling around and it’s [breasts] not genitalia is it? That’s the thing, another thing it brings up, what are breasts?”
She also pointed out the double standard in societal norms: “Men run around topless, I have no breasts, there’s no nipples, what are you asking me to cover up?”, and added: “They are just scars!”
Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers were quick to praise Louise as one person said: “Just watched the lady doing the London marathon topless after her breast cancer fight and she’s had a mastectomy. Such a brave lady… good luck on Sunday #ThisMorning.”
A different account wrote: “Very brave and courageous lady” while another added: “She’s very brave and confident.”
This Morning continues on weekdays at 10am on ITV and ITV X.
Published: 2025-04-22 10:36:08 | Author: [email protected] (Olivia Wheeler) | Source: MEN – News
Link: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Tags: #Morning #guest #defends #appearing #topless #ITV #show
