Today Claire Jackson is a happy working mum of two about to make her debut as a catwalk model at the Breast Cancer Care annual London fashion show, but five years ago it was a very different story.

How did you find the lump and did you know what it was?
I thought it was mastitis as I found the lump whilst breastfeeding. It was my second child, so I was rather complacent as I'd had mastitis before and did the normal hot/cold shower massage routine to clear the blockage to avoid the need for any medication. When this didn't work, I stopped feeding on this side and went to the doctor. My GP carried out a breast examination and thought it was a fibrous lump and suggested that I had nothing to worry about. However, she advised me that she was obliged to refer me to the breast screening unit at the local hospital as a non-urgent case. Initially the first appointment was some four months later, but due to appointment cancellations I was seen within a month or so. I was absolutely devastated when I was told I had breast cancer and was overwhelmed by the shock and the threat to my mortality. There is no history of breast cancer in my family. I then felt the need to find out everything I could about breast cancer.'

What kind of help/support did you get from the medical profession?
'The breast cancer team here in Colchester are fantastic, from the receptionists and nurses to the surgeons. Upon referral, I was assigned a breast cancer nurse, Beth, who has been there every step of the way to support and inform and is still, four years on, at the end of the phone. I felt so strongly about not having an axillary clearance under my arm [removing the lymph nodes in the armpit], removing part of my body that was not necessarily "infected" with the disease, that Mr Marshall supported my request to have my surgery at The Royal Marsden hospital in London, so that I could undergo the innovative sentinel node biopsy procedure. Dr Murray, my oncologist, and an extremely patient gentleman, always has time to listen, replies to all my questions and continues to allows me to take a proactive part in the decisions in my course of treatments and follow-up. I feel lucky to live in an area that provides such a good NHS cancer treatment service.'

Could anything be done to improve it?
'I do get the pity angle from some of the nurses at the GP's surgery which I find a bit condescending and frustrating as I consider myself to be cured of breast cancer. I feel that this is because they are not necessarily up to date with the success stories of women surviving breast cancer. Breast cancer is a very personal and intimate cancer for women – your breast becomes public property almost, which I find very uncomfortable.'

Were friends and family understanding?
'After the initial shock (and telling them was probably one of the most difficult things I have had to do in my life), they were unbelievably helpful: practically, financially and emotionally. I was so fortunate that my sister, Anna, was able to come and live with us to help with the children during my treatment, and my friend Jackie made sure I kept my sense of humour! My employers were also extremely understanding and flexible. Unfortunately, my relationship with my husband did not bear the pressure of breast cancer and later has broken down. In a way, breast cancer has been an opportunity for me to fully appreciate the relationships with friends and family and has brought some closer together which I treasure.'

How long did your treatment take? Did you find it debilitating?
'My treatment took nine months and I was very lucky that it was not too debilitating throughout. Initially after surgery I could not pick up my children which is difficult for any mother. I was very tired after treatment but by pacing myself, setting myself small goals and planning time to enjoy, I coped really well. I have approached breast cancer with a very positive and determined attitude to Live Strong and to turn every negative into a positive.'

How did you become involved with Breast Cancer Care?
'When I needed to find out everything I could about breast cancer I turned to Breast Cancer Care. Volunteers and trained nurses were on the end of a free phone line to provide advice and support and sometimes just to listen and console. They all seem to understand. Breast Cancer Care also sent me fact sheets and referenced sources of information. I have been raising money for them ever since as a thank-you for being there when I needed them most.'

And the catwalk show?
'I receive Breast Cancer Care's quarterly newsletter and saw the fashion show for the first time four years ago and have been applying every year since. This year my sister applied too. As I had a particularly difficult year with a bone scare and a traumatic divorce, she felt that I would benefit from a bit of glam, star treatment. I was selected from 140 applicants, so I feel so special and privileged to be taking part in the 10th Breast Cancer Care Fashion show, the largest annual fundraising event for the charity. I would invite any potential sponsors to contact Breast Cancer Care to offer support to this very worthwhile charity that helps thousands of women and men each year. One in eight women are now diagnosed with breast cancer so more support is needed to maintain the wonderful work that Breast Cancer Care, its staff and volunteers do each and every day and night.'

What are your plans for the future?
'To continue to be both a devoted mother to Millie and Thomas and a breast-cancer campaigner (I'd love to do a sponsored tandem parachute jump or walk the great wall of China for the charity) and perhaps find the time to discover a new man in my life!!

How can you help?
Get in the pink and hold an event to raise funds for Breast Cancer. For more details click here