A BREAST cancer survivor is taking to the catwalk to support a charity which helped her.

Annika Burton has been chosen as one of the models for Breast Cancer Care’s annual fashion show.

The 37-year-old from Haywards Heath was diagnosed in 2011 and went on to have chemotherapy and a double mastectomy.

She said: “I lost my mother to the disease when I was young and as a result was always worried about getting it myself,

“I even approached a clinic about preventative surgery but was told I was not at risk until my 40s.

“The same clinic then dismissed me even when I went back with a swollen breast. It took me begging for a biopsy for them to finally agree.

“Thank goodness I did as two weeks later I was told I had breast cancer and my life changed forever.”

Despite some challenging side effects from the treatment, Mrs Burton, who is married to Craig, 36, said some positives also came out of the experience.

She said: “Cancer makes you think about your own mortality and makes you realise how short life can be.

“For me it made me bite the bullet and set up my own business. I had always wanted to work for myself and being sick inspired me to set up ‘Not Another Bunch of Flowers’ – a website offering pretty and pampering get well gifts as an alternative to flowers.

“It’s going really well and I love working for myself.”

Mrs Burton was helped by Breast Cancer Care through its support line and forum.

She took inspiration reading other peoples stories and posts and hopes by taking part in the show, she can offer the same inspiration to others.

Mrs Burton is one 32 models who will be strutting their stuff in London on October 7 in a wide variety of outfits by designers like Butler & Wilson and Jeff Banks to high-street stores like House of Fraser, Dorothy Perkins and George at Asda.

Breast Cancer Care chief executive Samia al Qadhi said: “We are so excited to see our inspiring models take to the catwalk in front of their friends and families.

“Their courage and hard work is an inspiration that not only makes the show a really special event but also helps us raise funds to ensure we help others face the brutal effects of a breast cancer diagnosis.”